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ur. ji t >i &y.l.'Xi';lJ?e Uaitford CI 



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A ^f1^ 



HISTORICAL COLLECTION, 

FROM OFFICIAL RECORDS, FILES, &c., 



OF THE 



PART SUSTAINED BY CONNECTICUT, 



DURING THE 



WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 



WITH AN 

APPENDIX, 

CONTAINING IMPORTANT LETTERS, DEPOSITIONS, &c., 

WRITTEN DURING THE WAR. 



COMPILED BY 

ROYAL R. HINMAN, 

SECRETARY Ol- bT* T£. 



HARTFORD : 

PRINTED BY E. GLEASON. 

1842. 



Entered according to act of Congress, April 23d in the year 1842 by 
Royal R. Hinman, in the office of the Clerk of the District Court of 



Connecticut. 



.# 



PREFACE 



It was with reluctance that the compiler of this collection of His- 
torical facts, undertook his herculean task ; he had to wade through an 
immense mass of records, old files of petitions, letters, depositions, 
reports, &c. &c., many of which papers had been illy preserved in 
the offices of the Secretary of State and Comptroller ; and many were 
mutilated and torn, and difficult to decipher. The compiler flatters 
himself that he has not performed a useless task to the State. Many 
of the facts contained in this collection, will be found new and inter- 
esting to most of the present generation ; the whole work will give a 
livelier character to the deeds of their ancestors during this eventful 
struggle for liberty and independence. The work contains about 100 
pages of general history, so far as Connecticut Avas concerned in the 
war of the revolution. Then follows an epitome, not only of all the 
acts of the General Assembly, relating to the war, but also of the acts 
of the Governor and his Council of Safety, or Council of War, until ! 
May, 1778, as taken from the original records in the Secretary's 
office. 

The language of the records and files, and in some instances the 
orthography, has been faithfully followed by the compiler. 

Coimecticut, though one of the great producing States during the 
war, not only of provisions, but of men and money to carry on the 
contest, has never had her full merit recognized, in any historical 
notice yet published, of that eventful time that so thoroughly tried 
men's souls. It has, therefore, been the object of the compiler to 
rescue from oblivion, a sufficient amount of authentic facts, to place 
the citizens of our own State on their true ground, as among the 
earlier, most zealous, and efficient movers of that physical and moral 
machinery, which tore America from the cruel embrace of England. 



IV ^ PREFACE. 

The compiler is satisfied from the investigations lie has already made, 
that no State supplied more men, money, and means of every kind, 
according to her ability, than did Connecticut ; or did more to hasten 
on the glorious issue of the revolutionary war. Her troops were 
found in nearly every action in all the States. 

She not only furnished her full quota, and more than her quota of 
the materiel of war, but furnished some of the wisest heads, who 
planned and executed the great deeds of that important time. Her 
Putnam was on Bunker Hill ; her Spencer in Massachusetts, New 
York, and Rhode Island, &c. ; her Parsons, Wolcotts, Huntingtons, 
Griswolds, Shermans, Ellsworth, Davenports, Bishops, Wooster, 
Silliman, Dean, and a host of others, with Governor Trumbull at 
their head, were foremost in the service — in our State Legislature, 
and in the Councils of the Continental Congress. 

Should errors be found in this work, the reader would readily 
excuse them, could he see the perfect chaos from which the compiler 
has extracted the facts here published. 

To such gentlemen in this city, and other parts of the State, who 
have aided in collecting facts, for this work, the compiler tenders 
them his sincere thanks, because they have been instrumental in 
preserving some historical facts, for the benefit of their State and 
country. 

R. R. HINMAN. 

Hartford, April 28th, A. D. 1842. 



k 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION 



A GENERAL VIEW OF CONNECTICUT AT THE COMMENCEMENT OP 
THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 

The Colony of Connecticut, in 1775, was divided into the six 
following Counties : Hartford, New Haven, New London, Fair- 
field, Windham, and Litchfield. These were sub-divided into 76 
townships, which by the census taken in 1774, were found to 
contain the following aggregate of inhabitants : — Whites, 191,448. 
Blacks," 6,562. Total, 198,010. 

Westmoreland, it will be noticed, was included in this census. 
It contained only 1,922 inhabitants in 1774, but increased rapidly 
after that period. When the massacre of Wyoming took place 
(in 1778) the population was estimated at 5,000. 

The General Assembly of Connecticut, at their session held at 
Hartford, in January, 1771, resolved that the lands west of the 
river Delaware, and in the latitude of that part of the colony of 
Connecticut east of New York were contained in the boundaries 
and description of the Charter of King Charles H. to the colony 
of Connecticut ? and as many people had settled on a part of the 
lands at or near a place called Wyoming, under a claim of the 
Connecticut colony, they applied to Connecticut to take them 
under her protection and government. As there were many per- 
sons of suspicious and bad characters, who had escaped from jus- 
tice and resorted to said place to carry on their villanous designs 
with impunity, to the disgust and annoyance of the good people 
of the settlement ; the Assembly therefore, in January, 1774, 
enacted that the inhabitants within the bounds of Connecticut 
colony, on the west side of the river Delaware, were constituted a 
distinct town, with all the privileges of other towns in the colony 
of Connecticut. The town was bounded east by the Delaware 
2 



b REVOI.UTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

river, north by the north Hne of Connecticut colony, west by a 
north and south line across the colony at 1 5 miles distance west 
from a place in Susquehannah river called Wyoming, and south 
by the south line of Connecticut colony ; which town was also 
annexed to Litchfield county, and called by the name of West- 
moreland. It was however provided, that no person who resided 
in any other town in the colony should be sued before any justice 
of the peace in Westmoreland, or the people of Westmoreland 
be sued in any civil action in any other town before a justice ; 
and that the sheriff or his deputies of Litchfield county should 
not be compelled to receive any civil writ to be served in West- 
moreland. 

And during the same session (1774) the Governor of the col- 
ony was desired and authorized to issue a proclamation, to forbid 
all persons taking up, entering on, or settling any of the lands 
included in the charter of the colony, which lay west of the 
province of New York, without liberty obtained from the colony 
of Connecticut. The Assembly therefore appointed Roger Sher- 
man, J. A. Hillhouse, and Thomas Howell, Esq'rs. (when 'applied 
to) to take into consideration the claims and settlements made on 
lands situate on or near the waters of the Susquehannah river 
within the boundaries of Connecticut by the charter, and settle 
the same with the claimants, and quiet their titles under Connect- 
icut colony ; and to quiet the titles of all the settlers west of the 
Delaware river in the colony who had been settled there more 
than fifteen years, preceding January, 1774. 

The Legislature of Connecticut at their May session, 1775, 
made the the town of Westmoreland a probate district, by the 
name of the district of Westmoreland. The tovi'n was incorpo- 
rated in January, 1774, by the Legislature of Connecticut ; and in 
May, 1775, the bounds of the town were extended until it should 
meet with the line (then) lately settled with the Indians at Fort 
Stanwix, called the Stanwix line, north and south on the north 
and south lines of the colony of Connecticut, (with the families 
on said lands,) were incorporated with the town of Westmore- 
land, and in the same act it was annexed to the county of Litch- 
field. 

As early as 1754, the inhabitants of Connecticut made a pur- 
chase of the natives of a large tract of land extending from the 
Delaware river westward about 170 miles, including the whole 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 7 

breadth of the 42° of north latitude, and confirmed to Connecti- 
cut, April 23, 1662, by the charter from Charles II. In October, 
1763, the settlers were dispossessed by the savages with the loss 
of many lives and much property, and did not resume their pos- 
session until 1769, and continued under the jurisdiction of Con- 
necticut until 1782 ; during the period from 1774 to 1782 many of 
the peaceable citizens of Connecticut moved on to the lands, pur- 
chased small farms contiguous to each other for better defence, 
with their small farms for immediate use, and located other lands 
as a future dependence. And in the year 1776, they furnished 
the continental army with near three hundred officers and soldiers, 
to fight the battles of the country, which left the settlement at 
Wyoming, weak and unguarded. In July, 1778, the settlements 
were cut off by the savages, tories, and British troops, but they 
soon regained their position, by the zeal and prowess of those who 
escaped the carnage of the first attempt of the savages ; but by the 
great loss of men and property, the settlers were reduced and 
greatly distressed ; many widows and orphans were left destitute 
of the necessaries of life ; and the families of near two hundred 
officers and soldiers then in the army, became extremely helpless 
and needy, but were soon assisted by the return of their inhabit- 
ants and relieved only by the activity of the people of that section 
of country. They were continually harassed by the savages and 
tories until the close of the war, with immense loss of lives and 
property. The settlers of Wyoming were a most important and 
mighty barrier to the interior of the country, during the revolu- 
tionary war, with little compensation or reward. 



REVLUTIO.NARY WAR, 1775. 






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REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 9 

The territory embraced in the colony of Connecticut, was one 
of the best and most compactly settled portions of the confederacy 
at the beginning of the revolution. There was very little wilder- 
ness in that portion of the colony east of the Delaware. That 
part of Litchfield, called the Greenwoods, comprising the town- 
ships of Colebrook, Winchester, and Barkhamsted, was the only 
section that was very thinly settled at that time. 

Connecticut had sent forth several colonies previous to this 
period. She had contributed largely in settling the western 
townships in Massachusetts ; had furnished her thousands for the 
settlement of the up river country, both New Hampshire and the 
country on the opposite side of Connecticut river, since formed 
into the state of Vermont. She had also established considerable 
settlements in the eastern borders of the province of New York, 
and on the distant coast of Nova Scotia ; and finally, after a long 
struggle, had planted a favorite colony in the beautiful valley of 
the Wyoming. This last settlement, she had cherished with {)a- 
rental solicitude, and extended to it the protection of her govern- 
ment, and created a separate township, attached to Litchfield 
county. 



THE MILITIA OF CONNECTICUT IN 1775. 

h 

From the first settlement of the colony until 1739, the militia 
of Connecticut had only a company organization. This year, a 
law was enacted by the Governor, Council, and Representatives 
in General Court assembled, that the Governor of the colony 
for the time being, should be Captain General and commander 
in chief, and the Deputy Governor for the time being, should be 
Lieutenant General, of and over all the military forces within 
the colony ; and that all the military companies in the colony, 
should be formed into regiments. That there should be in each 
regiment, appointed from time to time by the General Assembly, 
a colonel, lieutenant-colonel, and major, who should be commis- 
sioned by the Governor of the colony for the time being. It 



/; 



10 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

was further enacted, tliat all male persons from 16 years of age 
to 50, except those exempted by law, should bear arms, and duly 
attend all musters and military reviews of the respective com- 
panies. The companies in thcjcolony at this time were organ- 
7 ized into 13 regiments, and to each regiment was permission 
given to have one troop of horse. There was an annual inspec- 
tion of arms on the first Monday in May, besides several train- 
ings yearly, and a regimental muster once in four years. 

In October, i7567)it was enacted by the Governor, Council, 
and Representatives in General Court assembled, that there 
should be two company reviews ; one in May, and one in 
October. 

In 1767, the 14th regiment of militia was formed from the 
towns of Cornwall, Sharon, Salisbury, Canaan, and Norfolk. 

In 1769, the 15th regiment was formed from the towns of 
Farmington, Harwinton, and New Hartford. 

In 1771, the 16th regiment was constituted from the towns of 
Danbury, Ridgefield, Newtown, and New Fairfield. 

In 1774, the 17th regiment was organized from Litchfield, Go- 
shen, Torrington, and Winchester. The same year the towns of 
Simsbury, New Hartford, Hartland, Barkhamsted, and Colebrook 
were formed into the 18th regiment. In October of the same 
year, four additional regiments were organized. One comprising 
the military companies in the towns of East Windsor, Enfield, 
Bolton, and that part of Hartford on the east side of the Con- 
necticut river ; this was the I9th regime'nt. Another including 
the military companies in the town of Norwich, the 20th regi- 
ment. The military companies in Plainfield, Canterbury, Volun- 
town, and the south company in Killingly, formed the 21st regi- 
ment. And lastly, the companies in Tolland, Somers, Stafford, 
Willington, and Union, for the 22d regiment. So it seems that 
there were twenty-two organized regiments of militia in Connec- 
ticut at the commencement of the war in 1775. In May, 1775> 
two more regiments were formed, one beyond the'Delaware, in 
Westmoreland, and the other in Middletown and Chatham. In 
1776, the 25th regiment was formed from the military companies 
in East Haddam, Colchester, and the society of Marlborough. 
The troops of horse were this year organized into five regiments 
of light horse, so that the whole number of regiments in the State 
were thirty ; twenty-five of foot, and five of horse. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 11 

The regiments were formed in the following manner in 1776. 
The military companies in the towns of Hartford, (that part on 
the west side of Connecticut river,) Windsor, Suffield, and that 
portion of Farmington, lying in the parish of Wintonbury, conlti- 
tuted the 1st regiment ; those in the towns of New Haven, Mil- 
ford, Branford, and Derby, the 2d regiment ; those in New 
London and Lyme, the 3d regiment ; those in Fairfield, Strat- 
ford, and Reading, the 4th regiment ; those in Windham, Mans- 
field, Coventry, and Ashford, the 5th regiment ; those in Weth- 
ersfield and Glastenbury, the 6th regiment ; those in Saybrook, 
Guilford, Killingworth, and Haddam, the 7th regiment ; those in 
Stonington, Preston, and Groton, the 8th regiment ; those in 
Norwalk, Stamford, and Greenwich, the 9th regiment ; those in 
Wallingford, Waterbury, Cheshire, and Durham, the 10th regi- 
ment ; those in Pomfret, Killingly, and Woodstock, except the 
south company in Killingly, the 11th regiment ; those in Leba- 
non, Hebron, and the company in the society of Marlborough, in 
Colchester, formed the 12th regiment; those in Woodbury, New 
Milford,and Kent, the 13th regiment ; those in Cornwall, Sharon, 
Salisbury, Canaan, and Norfolk, the 14th regiment ; those in 
Farmington, exclusive of the parishes of Wintonbury and South- 
ington, formed the 15th regiment ; those in Danbury, Ridgefield, 
Newtown, and New Fairfield, the 16th regiment ; those in Litch- 
field, Goshen, Torrington, Harwinton, and Winchester, formed 
the 17th regiment; those in the towns of Simsbury, New Hart- 
ford, Hartland, Barkhamsted, and Colebrook, the 18th regiment ; 
those in East Windsor, Enfield, Bolton, and that part of Hart- 
ford, on the east side of Connecticut river, the 19th regiment ; 
those in Norwich, the 20th regiment ; those in Plainfield, Can- 
terbury, Voluntown, and the south company in Killingly, the 21st 
regiment ; those in Tolland, Somers, Stafford, Willington, and 
Union, the 22d regiment ; those in Middletown and Chatham, the 
23d regiment ; those in Westmoreland, the 24th regiment ; those 
in East Haddam and Colchester, except the company in Marl- 
borough, in Colchester, formed the 25th regiment. 

In the autumn of 1776, another organization of the militia took 
place. All the regiments in the State were formed into six 
brigades. It was enacted that there should be appointed by the 
General Assembly, from time to time, two major generals to 
command as first and second over the whole militia of the State, 



12 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

who were commissioned to said ofiice by the Governor, and had 
at all times power to call forth the militia, or any part of them, as 
should from time to time be ordered by the Assembly or Gover- 
noV, for the immediate defence of this State, or the United 
States. It was further enacted, that there should be appointed 
by said Assembly, from time to time, one brigadier general to 
the command of each of the brigades aforesaid, who should be 
commissioned by the Governor, and have the same command 
over the respective brigades, as the major general had over the 
whole militia, and should be subject to the command of his supe- 
rior officer in calling forth or marching the militia for defence ; 
and every brigadier should review each regiment of his brigade 
once in a year, and oftener, if the Assembly ordered. It was 
also enacted that the colonel, or chief officer of every regiment, 
should nominate and appoint a suitable person, to serve as an 
assistant in their respective regiments, and commission them ac- 
cordingly. 

The male population of the colony, in 1775, from sixteen to 
fifty years of age, were subject to military duty, and may be esti- 
mated, from a careful examination of the census of 1774, to 
amount to about twenty-six thousand persons. Of these there 
were nearly one thousand beyond the Delaware, and near two 
thousand disaffi^cted persons, so that the whole military force in 
the compact settled part of the colony, that could be relied on for 
its defence, did not much exceed twenty-three thousand men. 



THE GOVERNMENT, AND MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS OF THE COLONY, 
AT THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE WAR OF INDEPENDENCE. 

The Government of Connecticut, founded on the Charter of 
Charles II. contained in its structure some of the most liberal 
provisions that ever received the sanction of royal authority. 
The administrators of government, chosen by the governed, had 
possessed for a long period of time the unbounded confidence of 
their constituents. The Governor, and both branches of the 
legislature, having derived their authority from the same source, 



REVOIX'TIONARY WAR, 1775. 13 

exercised their functions in the utmost harmony, and were con- 
tent to co-operate together for the public welfare. This was not 
the case in most of the other colonies, where the governors re- 
ceived their appointments from royal authority, and were often 
engaged in violent contests with the legislatures, whereby the 
influence of both governors and legislatures for usefulness, was 
much lessened. 

Nearly all the constituted authorities of the colony were carried 
along with the people in the popular movement in 1775, so that 
the measures of the colony were more effective than those of any 
other, (except, perhaps, Rhode Island,) at this period, which of 
course added much to the strength of the first movement in com- 
mencing the great struggle. ^ 

The municipal institutions of Conneclicat, at this time, ('75) 
were in many respects superior to those of any other colony, and 
highly favorable to the cause of liberty. The town meetings 
were schools where the people were instructed in the art of self- 
government. Here they learned to resist oppression, and co- 
operate mutually for their own defence. The town system of 
government, with the annual election of selectmen to manage the 
town affairs ; the cheap and convenient method of recording 
deeds in the town clerks' offices ; the district probate court sys- 
tem, were, most of them, organizations peculiar to this coIony> 
and added much to the comfort and convenience of the people. 



TAXATION, VALUATION OP PUOPERTV, COMMERCE, AGRICULTURE, 
AND MANUFACTURES OF THE COLONY. 

It was enacted that all rates and taxes that were granted by 
the general court, should be made in proportion to the general 
list of polls and rateable estate. It was subsequently enacted 
that the several towns in the colony should be chargeable and 
responsible for the full amount of the colony rates or taxes that 
were at any time granted by the general court, in proportion to 
the sum total of the respective lists of said towns. The subjects 
3 



14 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 



of taxation were — all male persons in the several towns in the 
colony, from 16 years old to 70, except those exempted by law ; 
also, lands, dwelling houses, ships, ware houses, mills, shops, and 
work houses, cattle, horses and swine. There were occasionally 
other subjects of taxation. The grand list was made from the 
returns of the several towns to the general court, in October, 
annually. In 1775, the returns were the following : 



Grand List of the Colony, in 1775. 



Ashford, 

Bolton, 

Branford, 

Coventry, 

Canterbury, 

Canaan, 

Chatham, 

Cornwall, 

Colchester, 

Durham, 

Danbury, 

Derby, 

East Haddam, 

East Windsor, 

Enfield, 

Fairfield, 

Farmington, 

Greenwich, 

Groton, 

Glastenbury, 

Guilford, 

Goshen, 

Hartford, 

Hebron, 

Haddam, 

Harwinton, 

Killingly, 

Killingworth, 

Kent, 

Lebanon, 

Litchfield, 

Lyme, 

Milford, 

Middletown, 

Mansfield, 



£17,273 
10,526 
23,472 
20,856 
20,730 
15,212 
22,881 
9,358 
34,762 
12,205 
28,501 
19,315 
26,674 
27,409 
12,478 
51,278 
66,577 
24,632 
26,902 

. 18,752 
36,406 
11,348 
48,120 
23,815 
16,591 
8,023 
27,907 
20,221 
16,971 
41,632 
23,396 
28,570 
29,181 
42,567 
22,077 



11 
1 


3 



8 


1 


14 


« 








3 





8 





14 


6 


6 





7 


6 


10 


8 


19 


7 


18 





15 


6 


15 





15 


6 


3 


10 


7 


11 


6 


3 


15 


7 


14 


5 


18 





10 





10 





4 


7 


18 





12 


4 


1 


5 


9 


6 


7 


8 


13 





16 


2 



11 


5 


12 


9 


18 


3 



New Haven, 

New Milford, 

New Hartford, 

New London, 

Norwich, 

Norwalk, 

New Fairfield, 

Newtown, 

Plainfield, 

Preston, 

Pomfret, 

Redding, 

Ridgefield, 

Stonington, 

Simsbury, 

Suffield, 

Salisbury, 

Stratford, 

Staftbrd, 

Saybrook, 

Stamford, 

Sharon, 

Somers, 

Tolland, 

Torrington, 

Voluntown, 

Windham, 

Wethersfield, 

Waterbury, 

Wallingford, 

Windsor, 

Woodstock, 

Willington. 

Woodbury, 



£73,210 
28,169 
8,837 
35,528 
66,678 
41,955 
12,273 
23,737 
14,216 
25,272 
27,711 
14,263 
17,491 
38,213 
30,631 
19,140 
17,087 
52,611 
10,412 
26,304 
34,078 
17,325 
9,153 
1,432 
5^816 
13,801 
32,222 
32,674 
37,064 
51,504 
24,095 
20,800 
8,660 
56,495 



6 

18 



19 

18 

3 



10 

3 
2 



18 6 
17 6 



11 11 
16 

14 11 

12 4 

4 4 
8 6 

5 10 

8 

9 
16 
16 7 
10 

8 

2 9 

16 

19 

8 

15 
4 



2 11 



7 1 

14 10 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 15 

The commerce of tlie colony was very extensive and valuable 
at this time. The colony afforded continual supplies of cattle, 
sheep, hogs, wheat, rye, and indian corn, besides salt provisions, 
which it furnished to its neighbors on every side ; New York and 
Albany, westwardly ; the northern settlements, with Newport 
and Boston, east. 

In addition to her extensive trade with the neighboring colonies, 
Connecticut had nearly two hundred sail of vessels, engaged in 
the West India trade, whose cargoes, more or less, consisted of 
provisions, with horses and cattle on deck. The West India trade 
had greatly enriched many of the inhabitants of the colony. 
There are said to have been three individuals at that time in 
Hartford, each of whose estates was estimated at 1G,000 pounds 
sterling. Connecticut was at this time as celebrated for its sea 
captains as Nantucket is now. The agriculture of the colony was 
in excellent condition ; it was called the " provision colony." 
Its manufactures were chiefly of the domestic or household kind, 
and were very productive, furnishing a large supply of woollen 
and linen clothing for the use of the inhabitants. 



THE EXTENT, COMPARITIVE INFLUENCE OF THE COLONY IN 1774 
AND 1775, AND ITS FINAL DISMEMBERMENT. 

Connecticut was one of the most important of the American 
colonies at the commencement of the revolutionary war. The 
territorial claim beyond the Delaware had been of long standing. 
For more than twenty years the people and government of Con- 
necticut had been engaged in investigating and establishing a title 
to the extensive region that lay between the Delaware and the 
Mississippi, in the same parallels of latitude as the old settled part 
of the colony. This region comprised an extent of territory of 
more than 700 miles in length from east to west, with a breadth 
from north to south, of about 70 miles, embracing an area of 
more than 50,000 square miles. This extensive region possessed 
a salubrious climate, and a soil equal to any part of North Amer- 



16 REVQU'TlOiNARY WAR, 1775. 

ica in point of fertility. It was watered on the west by that 
great artery of the continent, the Mississippi, on the north by the 
waters of lake Erie and lake Michigan, all affording great and nu- 
merous navigable advantages. 

These and other advantages combined to render it fully as de- 
sirable for settlement as any other portion of that vast and then 
unpopulated tract lying west of the settled part of the colonies. 

Some of the most sagacious of the inhabitants of Connecticut 
had at an early period, with a prophetic eye that does honor to 
their intelligence, seen, in the vast region beyond the Delaware, 
the germs of future greatness, and had fondly hoped to see the 
swarms of emigrants thaf had then begun to leave the parent hive, 
accommodated with homes in this western region where they 
might enjoy, under the excellent municipal institutions of the 
parent colony, much comfort and tranquillity. 

A spirit was soon awakened in Connecticut as to the importance 
of this western tract of country, and after many years of patient 
exertion in quieting Indian titles, and many laborious efforts to 
effect settlements — attended with various contests both with 
Indians and with people in the interest of the proprietary govern- 
ment in Pennsylvania, success finally crowned the efforts of the 
projectors of this enterprise. In 1774, the colony had become so 
numerous, that it was taken under the protection of the govern- 
ment of Connecticut, and organized into a township as a part of 
Litchfield county, by the name of Westmoreland. In 1775, the 
township was made into a probate district, by the name of West- 
moreland. In the same year the militia of the township were 
formed into the 24th regiment of Connecticut militia. In 1776, 
it was enacted that the town of Westmoreland, lying on the west 
side of the river Delaware in this State, should be a distinct 
county, and be called the county of Westmoreland, and should 
have and exercise, the same powers, privileges, and authorities, 
and be subject to the same regulations as the other counties in 
this state, except in cases limited by this act. By this act W'est- 
moreland became the seventh county in Connecticut, and fully 
under its jurisdiction. 

This section of Connecticut prospered, flourished, and increas- 
ed in population, until the fatal massacre and devastation of the 
settlement, in 1778. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 17 

In 1778, at the time of its destruction, the settlement extend- 
ed over eight townships, and was estimated to contain about a 
thousand families, and five or six thousand inhabitants. The set- 
tlement was scarcely resuscitated, when by the unjust decree of 
Trenton, in 1782, it was torn from Connecticut, and subjected to 
the authority of Pennsylvania, contrary to the wishes, and 
without the consent of the inhabitants. By this unrighteous act, 
Connecticut which had held rank in the confederacy of 1775, as 
a colony of the first magnitude, and had been, literally the key- 
stone State of the confederaxiy during the revolutionary struggle ; 
had met every crisis with the greatest promptitude and vigor, 
and had made such great sacrifices to establish the cause of lib- 
erty and independance, underwent the mortification of seeing 
the integrity of her territory violated, her size diminished, her 
laws solemnly enacted nullified without her consent, and her 
rank in the Union reduced. 



THE SPIRIT OF '74 AND '75, IN CONNECTICUT. 

The remote predisposing causes of the American revolution, 
were various and numerous ; but the prominent and immediate 
cause of this great and memorable popular movement, was un- 
doubtedly the Boston Port Bill. This act of the British Parlia- 
ment, to destroy the trade of Boston, excited universal sympathy 
for Massachusetts throughout the colonies, but in no colony was 
the sympathy manifested stronger than in Connecticut. The 
people of Connecticut w^ere connected with those of Massachu- 
setts by the strongest ties of blood, friendship, and interest, 
and the veneration for the parent colony was almost universal. 
Boston was the great commercial emporium of the New 
England colonies, and the seat of refinement and intelligence. 
The misery and distress brought on this town by the unjust act of 
the British Parliament, raised such a spirit of resistance as had 
never before been witnessed in the " land of steady habits." The 
House of Representatives, then in session at Ilarlford, on the re- 



18 REVOUJTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

ceipt of the intelligence of the passage of the Boston Port Bill, 
passed strong resolutions against the unjust act, and the towns 
expressed their disapprobation of it, and their sympathy with the 
people of Boston, by calling large meetings, and passing Reso- 
lutions. New Haven took the lead, and was followed by most of 
the towns in the eastern and central sections of the colony, who 
adopted, most unanimously, resolutions of the most patriotic 
character, pledging every aid to their suffering brethren in Boston. 
In these town meetings was generated the spirit of enquiry and 
resistance to tyranny so essential to that future progress of the 
war of independence. 

Windham county was conspicuous as the seat of this spirit of 
patriotism and sympathy. Here resided Gov. Trumbull, Gen- 
Putnam, and many other master spirits of the revolution. This 
county had been more recently settled by emigrants from Massa- 
chusetts, than most of the other counties in Connecticut, and her 
trade was almost entirely with Boston ; hence the sympathy of 
the inhabitants was ardent in the cause of their distressed breth- 
ren in Massachusetts. The contiguous counties were but little 
behind Windham in their patriotic devotion to what they con- 
sidered the common cause. But the western section of the 
colony, especially Fairfield county, does not appear to have par- 
ticipated so strongly in this incipient spirit of the revolution. 
The remoteness of this part of the colony from Boston, its almost 
exclusive trade with New York, together with other reasons 
which were developed in the course of the revolution, explain 
the cause of the comparative want of patriotic ardor in this 
portion of the colony. 

Paper resolutions, and patriotic words, were not the only effect 
of these town meetings ; but deeds of the most benevolent char- 
acter, were common events. Donations from almost every 
town, were sent to the relief of the distressed inhabitants of 
Boston and Charlestown. Live stock, bread stuff, &c., were 
sent in great abundance. The town of Windham, at one time, 
generously gave two hundred and fifty fat sheep ; Wethersfield 
collected and sent on a large quantity of wheat, &c. The inhab- 
itants of Georgia sent to the inhabitants of Boston, sixty three 
barrels of rice, and £122, in specie sterling, under the care of 
John Eaton Le Conte, Esq. The city of London subscribed 
£30,000 sterling for the poor of Boston. In Schoharry, in the 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 19 

county of Tryon, N. Y. the committee men of that place, col- 
lected five hundred and twenty-five bushels of wheat for the 
relief of the sufterers in the towns of Boston and Charlestown, 
which was sent. 

The town meetings at this time, were conducted with the 
utmost propriety, and the resolutions adopted, were generally 
characterized with decision and firmness, and undoubtedly had 
great influence in establishing among the people, an almost uni- 
versal spirit of resistance to British oppression, and a determina- 
tion to support their friends in Boston with every possible aid in 
their power. 

Amidst the glow of enthusiasm, and the strong excitement and 
indignation against the British ministry and its supporters and 
upholders, which pervaded Connecticut so generally, in the sum- 
mer of 1774, it is much to the credit of the inhabitants, that 
very few acts of violence were committed. Only two are 
recorded, that are worthy of notice. The first is the case of the 
Rev. Samuel Peters, of Hebron, an Episcopalian clergyman. It 
seems that he and his friends had got up for publication, some 
resolutions approving the conduct of the British parliament, and 
condemning the opposition of the people of the colonies. This 
occasioned a visit from some three hundred people, from the 
towns of Tolland, Bolton, and Hebron, on the morning of the 
15th of August, who coerced Mr. Peters to comply with their 
requisitions. 

The other case occurred in Farmington, where the act of the 
British parliament, (the Boston Port Bill) was burnt in great 
contempt, by the common hangman, in presence of the assembled 
multitude. 

One of the most remarkable events of the year, was the great 
alarm from Boston, by which the adage that " coming events cast 
their shadows before," was most truly exemplified. The alarm 
was, that the ships of war were cannonading Boston, and the 
regular troops massacreing the inhabitants, without distinction of 
age or sex. This news spread like wild-fire throughout Massa- 
chusetts and Connecticut, and in less than thirty-six hours, the 
country was rallied for more than one hundred and seventy miles 
in extent. From the shores of Long Island Sound to the green 
hills of Berkshire, " to arms !" " to arms !" was the universal cry. 
Instantly, nothing was seen on all sides, but men of all ages, 



20 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

cleansing and burnishing their arms, and furnisliing themselves 
with provisions and warlike stores, and preparing for an immedi- 
ate march ; gentlemen of rank and fortune, exhorting and encour- 
aging others by their advice and example. The roads were 
soon crowded with armed men, marching for Boston with great 
rapidity, but without noise or tumult. No boisterous mirth or 
irregularity of any kind, attended their march, but silent firm- 
ness and invincible determination were portrayed in every face. 
By the most moderate computation, there were in the colony of 
Connecticut alone, not less than twenty thousand men completely 
armed, actually on their march for Boston, with full speed, until 
counter intelligence was received on the road. This alarm was 
on the 3d of September, 1774. 

On the 15th of September, of the same year, there was a 
patriotic assemblage at Hartford, of delegates from most of the 
towns in the eastern and central, and a number from the western 
sections of Connecticut. This might be called the first " Hart- 
ford Convention," and was somewhat different in character from 
that which assembled at the same place nearly forty years after 
that period. 

This convention adopted many strong resolutions in favor of a 
Non-consumption Agreement, being entered into by the con- 
sumers of British goods, and reprobated in the strongest lan- 
guage, the spirit of monopoly and forestalling, that then prevailed 
to a great degree among the mercantile portion of the community. 

About this time, the patriotic opposers of the doctrine of uncon- 
ditional submission to the authority of the British parliament, 
adopted the appropriate appellation of " sons of liberty." Liberty 
poles (having the word " liberty" inscribed on them) were raised 
in every direction, emblematic of the spirit of the times. Some 
of these were of an extraordinary elevation. One in East Had- 
dam was 147 feet high ; another in the parish of Chester, in 
Saybrook, 106 feet high. On the one in East Haddam, was 
hoisted a large union flag, with the emblem of liberty neatly por- 
trayed thereon, fighting the cause of America against tyranny. 
At the dedication of this pole, by the " sons of liberty," cheers 
were given, and several guns fired en the occasion, and resolu- 
tions adopted, to promote good order and unity. 

The press — the Palladium of Liberty — was conducted with 
great ability, and breathed forth the language of freedom, at this 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR,' 1775. 21 

eventful period. The columns of the newspapers then abounded 
with animating and instructive essays, and dissertations on the 
abstract principles of justice, with examples taken from ancient 
and modern history. The three newspapers then published in 
the colony, were all faithful to the cause of freedom ; but the 
one in New I^ondon, called the " Connecticut Gazette, and Uni- 
versal Intelligencer," published by Timothy Green, was distin- 
guished for its superior devotion to the cause of liberty, and the 
rights of America. 

The delegation to the General Assembly which met in New 
Haven, in October, 1774, was of the most patriotic character, 
being composed for the most part, of men who had taken an 
active part in the town meetings of the preceding summer, or 
belonged to the association of the " sons of liberty.'' They were 
men of determined spirit, devoted to the rights and liberties of 
their country. This Assembly held an adjourned session in 
March, 1775, and another in April of the sam'e year. At the 
April session, a law was enacted to raise one-fourth of the militia 
for the special defence of the colony ; formed into companies of 
one hundred men each, and into six regiments. A major general, 
two brigadier generals, and six colonels, were appointed. This 
force was subsequently sent to Boston, after the affair of Lex- 
ington.* This Assembly also authorised the purchase of three 

* The annexed companies marched from the following towns in Connecticut, 
for the relief of Boston, &c., in the Lexington alarm, April, 1775. 

Woodstock, Capt. Benjamin Lyon, with 35 men ; East Windsor, Capt. 
Charles Ellsworth, 37, "Capt. Matthew Grant, 28 ; Woodstock, Capt. E. Man- 
ning, 22 ; Branford, Capt. Josiah Fowler, 36 ; Hartford, Capt. Abrahtam Sedg- 
wick, 33 ; Woodstock, Capt. Daniel Lyon, 27 ; Windham, Capt. Wm. Warner, 
41; East Haddam, Col. Joseph Spencer, John Willey, Capt., 43 ; Canterbury, 
Capt. Aaron Cleveland, 20 ; Somers, Capt. Emery Pease, 47 ; East Windsor, 
Capt. Amasa Loomis, 43 ; Windham, Capt. James Stedman, 49, Capt. Return 
J. Meigs, 43; Norfolk, Capt. Timothy Gaylord,24 ; New Hartford, LieutTUnalT' 
Seymour, 5 ; Simsbury, Capt. Amos Wilcox, 25 ; Wethersfield, Capt. John 
Chester, about 60 ; Lyme, Capt. Joseph Jewitt, 55 ; Canterbury, Capt. Joseph 
Burgess, 20 ; Union, Capt. Thomas Lawson, 26 ; Enfield, Capt. Nathaniel 
M^ Terry, 57 ; Wallingford, Capt. Isaac Cook ; Killingwortb, Capt. Aaron St^- 
> vens, 26 ; Canterbury, Lt. Col. A. Johnson, Shrebiah Butt, Capt., 30 ; Ashford, 
Capt. Thomas Knowlton, 78 ; Chatham, Capt. Silas Dunham, 36 ; Fairfield, 
Capt. David Dimon, about 50 ; Glastenbury, Capt. Elizur Hubbard, 47 ; Brook- 
lyn, Gen. Putnam ; Milford, Capt. Peter Perrit, from different places, 73; Wind- 
sor, Capt. Nathaniel Hayden, Jr. ; New Haven, Capt. Hezekiah Dickerman, 9 ; 

4 



22 REVOLpTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

thousand stand of arms, and the issuing of £50,000 in bills of 
credit equal to lawful money, and laid a tax of seven pence on 
the pound on all polls and rateable estate in the colony, 

Bolton, Capt, Ezekiel Olcott, 34; Colchester, Capt. Eliphalet Bulklcy, 69 ; Mid- 
dletown, Capt. Cumfort Sage, 43 ; East Windsor, Capt. Lemuel Slougliton ; 
Pomfret, Capt. Zebulon Ingalls, 89 ; Norwich, Capt. Jedediah Huntington, 70 ; 
Tolland, Capt. Solomon Willis, 50 ; Plainfield, Capt. Andrew Backus, 54 ; Staf- 
ford, Lt. Col. Stephen Moulton, Zephaniah Alden, Capt., 17 ; Wallingford, Capt. 
John Couch ; Hartford, Lieut. Col. George Pitkin ; Hebron, Capt. Worthy 
Waters, 61 ; Guilford, Capt. Noah Fowler, 45 ; Durham, Col. James Wads- 
worth, Stephen Norton, Capt. ; Mansfield, Lieut. Col. Experience Storrs, Jona- 
than Nichols, Capt. ; Derby, Maj. Jabez Thompson, Capt. Nathaniel Johnson, 
32; Lyme, Lieut. Thomas Way, Jr., 6 ; Killingworth, Capt. Samuel Gale, 25 ; 
Capt. Lemuel Roberts, ID; Preston, Capt, Ebenezer Witter, 99; Col. Samuel H. 
Parsons ; Maj. Thomas Brown ; New Hartford, Capt. Seth Smith; Killingly, 
Maj. Wm. Danielson, Joseph Cady, Capt., 88 ; Coventry, Maj. Thos. Brown, 
Joseph Talcott, Lieut., over 100 ; Lebanon, Capt. Daniel Tilden ; Windham, 
Capt. John Kingslty ; Suffield, Capt. Elihu Kent ; Woodstock, Lieut. Mark 
Elwell, 22 ; Greenwich, Capt. Abraham Mead, 58 ; Stonington, Capt. Benjamin 
'V/ Park ; Bolton, Capt. Thomas Pitkin, 27 ; Woodstock, Capt. Samuel McLelland, 
(troop of horse,) about 45 ; Willington, Maj.^ Elijah Fenton, Ebenezer Heath, 
Capt., 30 ; Stafford, Capt. Amos Walbridge, 23 ; Saybrook, Capt. John Ely, 59 ; 
Stafford, Capt. Paul Blodget, 23 ; New Haven, Capt. Benedict Arnold ; GuiU 
ford. Ensign Jehiel Meigs, 23 ; Simsbury, Capt. Zachariah Gillet, 26 ; Hartford, 
Capt. Jonathan Welles, Capt. Timothy Cheney, 24 ; Middletown, Lieut. Amos 
Hosford, 16; Woodstock, Capt. Nathaniel Mercy, 38; Killingly, Capt. Joseph 
Elliott, 58 ; Windham, Lieut. Mather Bingham, 22; Stamford, Capt. Joseph 
Hart, with 33 men marched to New York for its protection, occasioned by the 
alarm of the battle at Lexington ; Capt. Amos Wallbridge and his company; 
Capt. Lemuel Stoughton and his company. 

The number of men, where given, are generally correct, the files from which 
they are taken are so badly mutilated, they may not be perfectly accurate — and 
to some Captains, their number of men cannot be ascertained, and in some cases 
even the towns from which they marched. There were but few towns in this 
State who were not fully represented at Lexington and Boston immediately 
after the alarm reached Connecticut. 

All account of moneys paid by Connecticut to the inhabitants of the following 
loums^ for their services and expenses in the Lexington alarm, in April, 1775, 
per order of the Assembly, in May, 1775. 

To the Selectmen of ) To the Selectmen of } 

Enfield, ^ £191 2 6 Windham, \ £373 15 5 

Lebanon, 339 2 Enfield, 191 2 3 

Suffield, 295 18 2 Tolland, 157 3 



New Haven, 


238 1 11 


Wallingford, 


146 14 10 


Norfolk, 


66 9 2 


Willington, 


57 19 1 



^. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 



23 



Some members of this Assembly projected the famous Ticon- 
deroga expedition, on their own responsibility, without the sanc- 
tion of the colonial authority. 

The delegation to the General Assembly that was elected in 
April, '75, to meet at Hartford, in the succeeding May, were not 
less patriotic than their predecessors. This Assembly held an 
adjourned session, in July. They sanctioned the successful 
northern enterprise of the capture of the forts at Ticonderoga 
and Crown Point ; provided for the prisoners there taken, and 
sent a force of a thousand men to occupy those important posts ; 
besides affording every aid to their suffering bretheren in Massa- 
chusetts. , 

In the July session, two additional regiments were raised, 
making in the whole, eight regiments. An additional sum of 



East Windsor, 


£228 6 


7 


Canterbury, 


£171 1 6 


Fairfield, 


174 8 


2 


Lyme, 


222 7 


Coventry, 


204 12 


11 


Derby, 


10 4 


Mansfield, 


221 8 





Windsor, 


69 15 6 


Plainfield, 


138 16 


6 


Somers, 


153 16 8 


Middleto wn, 


177 14 


4 


Preston. 


102 2 


Stafford, 


100 12 


5 


Killingsworth, 


65 19 11 


Haddam, 


89 2 


9 


Hebron, 


218 3 2 


Saybrook, 


43 19 





Colciiester, 


217 18 7 


Greenwich, 


53 14 


6 


Bran ford. 


52 15 1 


Stonington, 


4 17 


8 


Durham, 


102 9 5 


Killingiy, 


227 7 


7 


Voluntown, 


141 9 6 


Woodstock, 


332 13 


5 


New Hartford, 


62 9 


Pomfret, 


201 5 


6 


Wethersfield, 


156 2 11 


Union, 


40 7 


9 


Bolton, 


116 4 5 


Guilford, 


140 15 


4 


Glastenbuiy, 


38 4 9 


Chatham, 


28 10 


8 


Stamford, 


28 8 4 


Simsbury, 


14 


5 


East Haddam, 


239 10 9 


Norwich, 


152 8 


5 


New London, 


251 18 6 


Ashford, 


153 1 


3 


Capt. Peter Perrit's 
com'y of Rangers^ 


I 138 11 4 



£454 3 2 



Total, £7,370 3 4 

Also to individuals for provisions purchased before the "i 
colony could supply, \ 

Total, £7,824 6 6 

Certified by 

THO'S. SEYMOUR, 
EZEK'L. WILLIAMS, 
O. ELLSWORTH, 



Committee of 
Pay Table. 



24 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 1775. 

£50,000 in bills of creoil, was issued, making the whole amount 
issued in 1775, £100,000. Duties of the highest responsibihty, 
and most dangerous character, were assumed by the members 
that composed both delegations of the General Assembly of 
1775; but all these duties were discharged in such a judicious 
and successful manner, that few bodies of men in the history of 
legislation, are better entitled to the gratitude of the friends of 
liberty and human rights, than were the disinterested and patri- 
otic members that composed the General Assembly and Govern- 
ment of Connecticut, in 1775. 

Oncers of the Colony of Connecticut, 1775. 

Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Governor — Hon. Matthew Gris- 
woLD, Lieut. Governor. Assistants, Jabez Hamlin, Elisha Shel- 
don, Eliphalet Dyer, Jabez Huntington, William Pitkin, Roger 
Sherman, Wm. Samuel Johnson, Abraham Davenport, Joseph 
Spencer, Oliver Wolcott, and James Abraham Hillhouse, Esq'rs. 

Representatives of the Freemen in the several Towns in the Colony. 

Hartford County. — Hartford, Col. John Pitkin, Col. Samuel 
Wyllys ; Wethersfield, Mey. Thomas Belding ; East Windsor, 
Wm. Wolcott, Col. Erastus Wolcott; Simsbury, Capt. Judah 
Holcomb, Asahel Holcomb ; Windsor, Capt. Henry Allyn, Capt. 
Josiah Phelps ; Farmington, Col. Isaac Lee, Jonathan Root ; 
Suffield, Alexander King, Capt. John Leavitt ; East Haddam, 
Daniel Brainard, Jabez Chapman ; Stafford, Capt. Isaac Pinney, 
Capt. Samuel Davies ; Iladdam, Capt. Joseph Brooks, Joseph 
Smith ; Colchester, Maj. Henry Champion, Doct. John AVatrous ; 
Somers, Reuben Sikes, Capt. Emery Pease ; Hebron, Benjamin 
Buell, Capt. Obadiah Horsford ; Canterbury, Capt. Jonathan 
Wells, Ebenezer Plummer; Middletown, Col. Matthew Talcott, 
Titus Hosmer ; Bolton, Benjamin Trumbull, Seth King ; Tolland, 
Capt. Solomon Welles, Capt. Samuel Chapman ; Willington, 
Maj. Elijah Fenton, Capt. Thnothy Pearl ; Enfield, Maj. Nathan- 
iel Terry, Nathaniel Chapin ; Chatham, David Sage, Ebenezer 
White. 

New Haven County. — New Haven, Samuel Bishop, Capt. 
Jonathan Fitch ; Durham, Col. James Wadsworth, Daniel Hall ; 
Guilford, Col. Andrew Ward, John Burgiss ; Derby, Capt. John 
Holbrook, Joseph Hull ; Waterbury, Joseph Hopkins, Col. Jona- 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 25 

than Baldwin ; Milford, Capt. John Fowler, Ephraim Strong ; 
Branford, Capt. Edward Russell, Daniel Page ; Wallingford, 
Samuel Beach, Capt. Thaddeus Cook. 

Fairfield County. — Fairfield, Jonathan Sturgess, Capt. Samuel 
Squire ; Stratford, Capt. Robert Fairchild, Capt. Ichabod Lewis ; 
Stamford, Col, Charles Webb, Col. David Waterbury ; Danbury, 
Col. Joseph Piatt Cook, Thomas Taylor, Jr. ; Ridgefield, Capt. 
Lemuel Morehouse ; Redding, Wm. Hawley ; Norwalk, Thomas 
Belding; New Fairfield, Ephraim Ilubbell, Capt. Nehemiah 
"Beardslee ; Greenwich, Maj. John Mead, Peter Mead ; New- 
town, John Beach, Jr. 

Litchfield County. — Litchfield, Jedediah Strong, Maj. David 
Welch ; Woodbury, Daniel Sherman, Capt. Increase Mosely ; 
Salisbury, Col. Joshua Porter, Capt. Abiel Camp ; Kent, Ephraim 
Hubbell, Jr., Capt. Eliphalet Whittlesey ; Canaan, Asahel Bebee, 
Capt. Samuel Forbes ; Sharon, Maj. Ebenezer Gay, James 
Pardy ; New Milford, Maj. Samuel Canfield, Capt. Sherman 
Boardman ; Goshen, Col. Ebenezer Norton, Capt. Samuel Nash ; 
New Hartford, Maj. Abel Merrell, Zebulon Merrell ; Cornwall, 
Heman Swift, Capt. Thomas Porter ; Torrington, Maj. Epaphras 
Sheldon, Noah Marshall ; Harwinton, Josiah Phelps, Mark 
Prindle ; Westmoreland, Capt. Zebulon Butler, Maj. Ezekiel 
Pierce. 

New London County. — New London, Richard Law, Wm. 
Hillhouse ; Norwich, Benjamin Huntington, Samuel Huntington ; 
Stonington, Maj. Charles Phelps, Nathaniel Miner ; Ivlling- 
worth, Capt. Elnathan Stevens, Capt. John Pierson ; Groton, 
Thomas Mumford, Nathan Gallop ; Preston, Capt. Roger Sperry, 
Col. John Tyler ; Lyme, Marshfield Parsons, Ezra Selden ; Say- 
brook, Capt. John Ely. 

Windham County. — Windham, Col. Jedediah Elderkin, Ebe- 
nezer Devotion ; Lebanon, Col. Wm. Williams, Jonathan Trum- 
bull, Jr. ; Mansfield, Col. Experience Storrs, Nathaniel Atwood ; 
Woodstock, Capt. Elisha Child, Capt. Samuel McLellan ; Cov- 
entry, Capt. Ebenezer Kingsbury, Jeremiah Ripley ; Canterbury, 
David Payne, Eleashel Adams ; Killingly, Stephen Crosby, Capt. 
Eleazer Warren ; Pomfret, Gen. Israel Putnam, Elisha Lord ; 
Ashford, Capt. Benjamin Sumner, Capt. Ichabod Ward ; Plain- 
field, Capt. James Bradford, Wm. Robinson ; Voluntown, Maj. 
James Gordon, Robert Hunter. 



26 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

William Williams, speaker. 

Richard Law, Clerk. 

John Lawrence, Treasurer. 

George Wyllys, Secretary of State. 

Election Sermon delivered by the Rev. Joseph Perry. 

Hon. Matthew Griswold appointed Chief Judge of the Superior 
Court. 

Eliphalet Dyer, Roger Sherman, Wm. Pitkin, and Samuel 
Huntington, Judges of the Superior Court. 

Jabez Hamlin, Judge of the County Court for Hartford county. 

Elihu Chauncey, Judge of the County Court for New Haven 
county. 

Richard Law, Judge of the County Court for New London 
county. 

Abraham Davenport, Judge of the County Court for Fairfield 
county. 

Shubael Conant, Judge of the County Court for Windham 
county. 

Oliver Wolcott, Judge of the County Court for Litchfield 
county. 

Probate Judges. — Joseph Talcott, Joseph Spencer, Jabez 
Hamlin, Isaac Pinney, Solomon Whitman, John Owen, John 
Whiting, Gurdon Saltonstall, Aaron Elliott, Jabez Huntington, 
Charles Phelps, Ebenezer Silliman, Abraham Davenport, Thomas 
Benedict, Wm. Williams, Jabez Fitch, Ebenezer Williams, Oli- 
ver "Wolcott, Daniel Sherman, Joshua Porter, (Joseph Sherman 
Judge of Probate for Westmoreland.) 

William Wolcott, Seth Wetmore, Samuel Talcott, and Erastus 
Wolcott, Esq'rs., Justices of Peace and Quorum for Hartford 
county. 

Thomas Darling, John Fowler, Samuel Bishop, Jr., and James 
Wadsworth, Jr. Esq'rs., for New Haven county. 

Samuel Coit, William Hillhouse, Jeremiah Mellen, and Samuel 
Selden, Esq'rs., for New London county. 

Samuel Adams, Robert Fairchild, Joseph Piatt, and Joseph 
Piatt Cook, Esq'rs., for Fairfield county. 

Jabez Fitch, Joshua West, Ebenezer Williams, and William 
Williams, Esq'rs., for Windham county. 

Increase Mosely, Daniel Sherman, Bushnell Bostwick, and 
Joshua Porter, Esq'rs., for Litchfield county. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 27 

The Governor of the colony received as a salary in 1775, the 
sum of £300 ; Lieutenant Governor, £lOO ; Treasurer, £180; 
Secretary of State, £20. 

Justices of the Peace appointed for Hartford County, May, 
1775. George Wyllys, Joseph Talcott, John Pitkin Benjamin 
Payne, John Lawrence, Thomas Seymour, Oliver Ellsworth, 
Elisha Williams, Solomon Welles, Thomas Belding, Josiah Bis- 
sell, Henry AUyn, Roger Newberry, Charles Ellsworth, Jr., Na- 
thaniel Chauncey, Matthew Talcott, Richard Alsop, Titus Hos- 
mer, Solomon Whitman, Joseph Hart, Jared Lee, John Strong, 
Selah Hart, Isaac Lee, Jr., Fisher Gay, Stephen Hotchkiss, John 
Owen, Josiah Holcomb, Jonathan Pettibone, Hezekiah Hum- 
phrey, Oliver Humphrey, Joseph Welles, Jabez Brainard, Joseph 
Brooks, William. Wells, Elizur Talcott, Jonathan Wells, Alexander 
King, Daniel Brainard, Jabez Chapman, Dyer Throop, Samuel 
Huntington, Epaphras Lord, John Watrous, Daniel Foot, Peter 
Bulkley, Henry Champion, of Colchester, Daniel Barber, John 
Phelps, Samuel Gilbert, Ephraim Terry, Joseph Olmsted, Benja- 
min Talcott, Thomas Pitkin, Joel White, Samuel Cobb, Samuel 
Chapman, Isaac Pinny, Daniel Alden, Abner Barker, Moses 
Holmes, David Sage, Nathaniel Freeman, Ebenezer White, Reu- 
ben Sikes, Emery Pease, John Leavitt, Asahel Holcomb, Benja- 
min Colton, Jesse Root, Silas Dean, George Pitkin, John Chester, 
and Samuel Eastbrook, Esq'rs. 

Justices for the County of Neio Haven. Elihu Chauncey, James 
Abraham Hillhouse, John Whiting, Daniel Lyman, Samuel Sack- 
et, Samuel Ilemmingway, Caleb Beecher, Simeon Bristol, Enos 
Ailing, David Wooster, David Baldwin, Ephraim Strong, Charles 
French, John Daviss, Joseph Hull, Jr., John Wooster. Thomas 
Matthews, Joseph Hopkins, Jonathan Baldwin, Timothy Judd, 
Samuel Lewiss, Phineas Roger, Aaron Lyman, Dan Johnson, 
Caleb Hall, Oliver Stanly, Reuben Atwaler, Nathaniel Ruggles, 
Timothy Todd, John Burgiss, Samuel Brown, Oliver Dudley, 
Samuel Barker, Josiah Rogers, James Barker, Wm. Gould, Wm. 
Greenough, Lamberton Smith, Jr., Joel Hotchkiss, Gideon Buck- 
ingham, Samuel Beach, Eliakim Hall, and Timothy Hill, Esq'rs. 

Justices for the County of New Jjondon. — Richard Law, 
Gurdon Saltonstall, John Murdock, John Hemsted, Joshua Ray- 
mond, Jonathan Lattinier, Jr., Winthrop Saltonstall, John Still 
Winthrop, Wm. Whiting, Ebenezer Hartshorn, Elisha Fitch, 



28 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

Jacob Perkins, Simeon Tracy, Jr., Benjamin Huntington, Elislia 
Lathrop, Christopher Lefllngwell, Samuel Tracy, Rufus Lathrop, 
Nehemiah Huntington, Nathaniel Backus, Daniel Bishop, Wm. 
Witter, Benjamin Coit, Sam'l. Mott, Robert Crary, John Tyler, 
Joseph Dennison, John Williams, Charles Phelps, Paul Wheeler, 
Nathaniel Miner, Stephen Babcock, Joseph Palmer, Luke Per- 
kins, Wm. Williams, Nathan Smith, Benadam Gallop, William 
Avery, Robert Geer, Ebenezer Ledyard, Thomas Mumtord, Wm. 
Morgan, Benjamin Lee, John I^ay, 2d, Samuel Ely, Samuel 
Holden Parsons, Eleazer Mather Noyes, llezekiah Whittlesey, 
John Shipman, Justus Buck, Benjamin Williams, Wm. Wor- 
thington, Elnathan Stephens, Aaron Elliott, John Pierson, Theo- 
philus Morgan, David Avery, Ezra Selden, Samuel Leffingwell, 
Jr., Richard Wait, Samuel Field, and Roger Strong, Esq'rs. 

Justices for the County of Fairfield. John Brooks, Daniel 
Judson, Ichabod Lewiss, David Wilcoxson, Daniel Fairchild, 
James Walker, Philip Nichols, Samuel Odell, Ebenezer Silliman, 
Gold S. Silliman, Nathan Bulkley, Jonatlian Sturgess, Samuel 
Bradley, Ebenezer Banks, Abraham Andrews, David Cooley, 
Samuel Wakeman, Thomas Belding, Thomas Fitch, Samuel 
Fitch, Elias Betts, Theophilus Fitch, Thomas Youngs, Charles 
Webb, David Waterbury, Jr., Benjamin Weed, Messenger Pal- 
mer, Peter Mead, John Mead, Amos Mead, Samuel Olmsted, 
Philip Burr Bradley, Daniel Cooley, Thomas Benedict, Samuel 
Taylor, Daniel Taylor, Thaddeus Benedict, Ephraim Hubbell, 
Thomas Brush, Nehemiah Beardslee, Alexander Stewart, Zech- 
ariah Towner, Richard Fairman, John Chandler, John Read, 
Lemuel Sanford, Jr., David Wood of Greenwich, Joseph Bradley 
of Fairfield, and Wm. Hawley of Redding, Esq'rs. 

Justices for the County of Windham. Samuel Gray, Jede- 
diah Elderkin, Nathaniel Wales, Jr., Jacob Simons, Hezekiah 
Manning, Ebenezer Devotion, Benajah Bill, John Clark, Joseph 
Storrs, John Salter, Elijah Dyer, E. Adams, Elijah Wheaton, 
Benjamin Sumner, Nathaniel Child, Samuel Child, Jr., Jedediah 
Morse, Charles Church Chandler, John Grosvenor, Thomas Will- 
iams, Samuel Craft, Nathan Frink, Isaac Coit, James Bradford, 
Jacob Dresser, Thomas JMotlatt, Bryant Brown, Wm. Daniel- 
son, Thomas Strong, Ephraim Root, Abraham Burnap, Jere- 
miah Keeney, Robert Dixon, Samuel Stewart, Abncr Sessions, 
and Solomon Wales, Esq'rs. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 29 

Justices for the County of Litchfield. Jacob Woodruff, Isaac 
Baldwin, David Welch, Reuben Smith, Andrew Adams, Daniel 
Everit, Benjamin Hinman, Gideon Walker, Thomas Warner, 
Joseph Pierce, Paul Welch, Samuel Bostwick, Samuel Canfield, 
Joseph Ruggles, William Cogswell, John Ransom, Daniel Lee, 
Nathaniel Eliott, Ephraim Hubbell, Jr., Daniel Griswold, John 
Canfield, Joseph Lord, James Landon, John Hutchinson, Charles 
Burrall, Elisha Baker, Samuel Forbes, Thomas Russell, Heman 
Swift, Thomas Porter, Samuel Nash, Ebenezer Norton, John 
Cook, Epaphras Sheldon, Abijah Catlin, Daniel Catlin, Matthew 
Gillett, Zebulon Merrell, Michael Humphrey, Giles Pettibone, 
Nehemiah Andrews, Zebulon Butler, Nathaniel Dennison, Silas 
Park, Edward Hinman, John Vensent, Wm. Judd, and Bezaleel 
Tyler, Esq'rs. 

Joseph Sherman, Esq. of *Westmoreland, was appointed a 
Judge of Probate, and a Justice of the Peace for the county of 
Litchfield. 

The capture of Ticonderoga,f one of the most brilliant ex- 
ploits of the revolutionary war, was a Connecticut measure. The 

* Westmoreland (in the State of Pennsylvania, in 1775) belonged to Connec- 
ticut, and constituted a part of Litchfield county, and was represented in the 
General Assembly of this colony, by Capt. Zebulon Butler, and Maj. Ezekiel 
Pierce, whose names are favorably known in the history of Wyoming. 

t In the spring of 1775, a project to capture the British Fort, at Ticonderoga, 
was concerted in Connecticut. Several gentlemen proceeded from Connecticut 
to Vermont for that purpose ; among whom was Capt. Noah Phelps, of Simsbury. 
He was selected to proceed to the fort, examine its situation and condition, and 
make report to his associates. He proceeded from the southern part of Lake 
Champlain in a boat, and stopped for the night at a tavern near the fort. The 
officers of the garrison occupied a room, adjoining that in which he slept, for a 
supper party, and as usual on such occasions protracted their entertainment to a 
very late hour. They spoke of the commotion in the colonies and the condition 
of their fort. Very early m the morning, Capt. Phelps gained admission into 
the fort for the purpose of being shaved. While retiring through it, the com- 
mandant walked with him, and conversed about the rebels, their movements 
and their object. Capt. Phelps seeing a portion of the wall of the fort in*, 
dilapidated condition, remarked that it would afford but a feeble defence against 
the rebels if they should attack it. The commandant replied, yes, but that is not 
our greatest misfortune, for all our powder is damaged, and before we can use 
it, we are obliged to sift and dry it. He left the fort, and soon after proceeded 
to the lake shore and employed a boatman to transport him in a small boat 
down the lake. He entered the boat in plain view from the fort and under her 
guns. He had not proceeded a great distance before he urged the boatman to 
5 



30 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

projectors of this ex^Iition, were, as has already been stated, 
several patriotic members of the General Assembly, convened at 
Hartford, in April, 1775. They obtained the funds from the Co- 
lony treasury as a loan, for which their individual receipts, with 
security, was given. The committee appointed by the origina- 
tors of the expedition, collected sixteen men in Connecticut, and 

exert himself and terminate the voyage as soon as possible. The boatman 
requested Capt. Phelps to take an oar and assist — this was dechned, being in 
full view of the fort, by replying that he was not a boatman. After rounding 
a point of land, projecting into the lake and intercepting the view from the fort 
he proposed taking the oar, and did so. Being a strong and active man, he 
excited the surprise of the boatman by the velocity of the boat, who with an 
oath, replied you have seen a boat before now, sir. This circumstance, at the 
time, excited the boatman's suspicion that his passenger was not a loyal subject, 
but fear of superior strength prevented an attempt to carry him back to the fort, 
as he told Capt. Phelps after the surrender. Capt. Phelps reached his place of 
destination, met his associates, and told them what he had discovered. The 
next morning, May 10th, 1775, the fort, upon demand made by Col. Allen, by 
authority of " the Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress" was surren- 
dered. The cannon, small arms and ball contained in it, rendered this achieve- 
ment more important in the success of the revolutionary war than posterity can 
appreciate. 

After the fort was surrendered to Ethan Allen and his company, of about 
eighty-three armed men, who had proceeded on the expedition without any 
authority from Connecticut, who had taken the aforesaid measure so effectually to 
surprise them, that little or no resistance was made. One corner of the fort 
having fallen down, and all their powder being wet and unfit for use, the officers 
and soldiers were obliged to surrender to Col. Allen and his company, having 
also been overpowered by a superior force. After they were disarmed, they 
were ordered immediately to be sent to Hartford, in the colony of Connecticut, 
where they were detained as prisoners of war, consisting of forty-seven private 
soldiers of his majesty's troops, together with Gov. Skeen, Maj. Skeen, (his 
son,) Maj. French, Capt. Delaplace, Szc, besides women, children and several 
servants. After the arrival of said prisoners at Hartford, on the 24th of May, 
177.5, Capt. Wm. Delaplace, commandant of the fort of Ticonderoga, (one of 
snid prisoners,) brought his petition to the Assembly of this State, in which he 
stated that on the morning of the 10th of May, 1775, the garrison of the fortress 
of Ticonderoga had been surprised as aforesaid ; and stated that neither the 
ftiicers or soldiers held by this colony had been guilty of any crime, and en- 
quired, why they should be taken and held as prisoners, by Col. Allen and his 
company ; and enquired by what authority he had acted ; and asked the pro- 
tection of said Assembly, and wished to be set at liberty, that they might return 
to tlie post from whence they had been taken, and join the 26th regiment to 
which they belonged — or wished to be informed in what light they were to bo 
regarded, as prisoners of war or not — and if as prisoners, by whom detained, &c. 
The Legislature had no particular action upon the petition of Capt. Delaplace, 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 31 

proceeded to Berkshire county, Mass., where they obtained the 
aid of some influential citizens, and forty or fifty volunteers 
were added to their small force. The expedition then advanced 
to Bennington, Vt., where it was joined by Ethan Allen, Seth 
Warner, and nearly one hundred volunteers. The little army, 
consisting of about one hundred and fifty men, thus raised, 

but continued to hold them as prisoners of war. Gov. Skeen, Maj. Skeen, and 
Maj. French, were taken from Hartford to West Hartford, on an order of the 
Assembly, for their better security — they boarded in the family of widow Hooker 
in West Hartford about a year, at their own expense. Gov. Skeen had his 
family with him. They were often insulted by our inhabittants as enemies of 
the colony, and narrowly escaped tar and feathers by his neighbors at West 
Hartford, for his insults offered the inhabitants. In May, 1775, the General 
Assembly directed the committee of the pay table, to give orders on the Trea- 
surer of this colony for the payment of all persons who had actually expended 
moneys, or given their written obligations therefor, or for personal service in 
obtaining possession of Ticonderoga and Crown Point; also for men and provis- 
ions used in taking and securing said fortresses, by any inhabitants of this 
colony, or others employed by them for that purpose. Two years after, viz. in 
May, 1777, Samuel Holden Parsons, Esq., informed by his memorial to the 
General Assembly of this State, that in April, 1775, himself, together with Col. 
Samuel Wyllys, Silas Dean, Esq., and others, did undertake surprising and 
seizing the enemy's fort at Ticonderoga, without the knowledge of said Assem- 
bly, and for that purpose took a quantity of money from the Treasury, and i 
gave their notes and I'eceipts for said money, all which had been expended in 
said service ; and prayed the Assembly to cancel said notes and receipts so given 
to the Treasurer, which amounted to the sum of ,^810. The persons who 
signed said notes, &c., were said Parsons, Dean, Wyllys, Samuel Bishop, Jr., 
William Williams, Thomas Mumford, Adam Babcock, Joshua Porter, Jesse 
Root, Ezekiel Williams, and Charles Webb ; which sum was directed to be 
charged over to the General Government. 

At this early period of the war, (May 11, 1776) the Americans were jealous 
and alarmed at the rustling of every leaf, and watchful of everj' movement. At 
this time it was the custom of the blacks, as it had been for years j)revious, and 
continued to be, some time after the war closed, for the negroes in Connecticut, 
in imitation of their masters, to elect a negro for their Governor, who by them, 
was uniformly treated with great attention, and by their respect for hira, he 
never failed to get his title of Governor when addressed by his colored brethren. 
Cuff was at this time their Governor, and had held the office for ten years, and 
on the 11th day of May, aforesaid, he resigned his office to John Anderson, a 
negro servant of Gov. Skeen, which resignation and appointment were in the 
words and figures following, viz. : 

"Hartford, 11th May, 1776. 

"I Governor Cuff of the Niegro's in the province of Connecticut, do Resign 
my Govermentshipe, to John Anderson Niegor Man to Governoi Skene. 



32 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

marched to Castlctoi^^vhcre a military organization took place 
and Ethan Allen, a native of Connecticut, was appointed com- 
mander, James Easton, of Berkshire, second, and Seth Warner, 
an officer from Connecticut, third in command. After de- 
taching a small force to take possession of Skeensborough, the 
remainder marched directly to a point opposite to Ticonderoga, 

" And I hope that you will obcye liim as you have Done me for this ten year's 
past, when Colonel Willis' Niegor Dayed I was tiie next. But being weak and 
unfit for that otfit-.e do Ilesine the said Governmentshipc to John Anderson. 
" I :.John Anderson having the Honour to be apointed Governor over you I 
will do my utmost endevere to serve you in Every Respect, and I hope you will 
obey me accordingly. 

JoH.v Anderson Governor 

over the Niegors in Connecticut. 
Witnesses present, 

The late Governor Cuff, Hartford, 

Quackow, 

Fetter Wadsworth, 

Titows, 

Pomp Willis, 

•Tohn Jones, 

Fraday." 
May, 1776. At tliis appointment the citizens of Hartford became alarmed 
Gov. Skeen was at once suspected of being concerned in his negro's election 
with some design upon the citizens of the State. Therefore the Governor and 
Council of the colony, convened at Hartford, took the subject into solomn con- 
sideration, and appointed a committee to investigate the subject, of which Jesse 
Root, Esq, was chairman ; the committee took with them a constable and imme- 
diately repaired to Gov. Skeen's lodgings, found his door locked, and the gover- 
nor absent. One of the committee remained to guard his room while the 
others proceeded after him, and found him returning home, and brought him 
before the committee, and on enquiry whether he had carried on any corres- 
pondence with our enemies ; he answered he had sacredly kept his engagements 
in his parole, and had no papers but his own private papers, and offered his keys 
to the committee to examine his papers. He was asked if he had any previous 
knowledge of the negroes electing his servant governor of the negroes, or had 
any hand in effecting said election — which he denied, except a few words that 
passed between a Mr. Williams and his negro, which he supposed was mere 
sport, and had no hand in bringing it to pass directly or indirectly. He was 
enquired of, if he gave his negro money to make a feast for the negroes— he 
answered that he gave him a half-joe to keep election, but that he knew nothing 
of the treat at Knox's; that on Friday, he heai'd his negro was chosen governor, 
and was fearful it might excite jealousy, and even avoided speaking to him to 
avoid suspicion, and declared upon his honor, he had no papers about him. 
The committee then proceeded to examine the negro governor, who stated 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 33 

where, after obtaining the assistance of Nathan Beman, a young 
rnan, for a guide, and waited the return of Capt. Phelps from the 
fort, &c., a select body, amounting to only eighty-three men, 
assaulted on the morning of the 10th of May, the fortress of Ti- 
conderoga, and captured it without the loss of a man.* 

A large quantity of ordnance and military stores were obtained 
by this exploit. The officers and forty-seven were privates taken 
prisoners. 

that one Sliarper, a negro man first mentioned to him about being governor, 
and that he informed the negroes, if they would elect him, he would treat them 
to the amount of $20, and it had cost him $25, but declared that no regular 
officer or soldier had spoken to him on the subject ; that there was no scheme or 
plot, and that he had done it as a matter of sport, and intended no injury to the 
country, but had the curiosity of seeing an election ; that he had been informed 
the negroes chose a governor annually, and thought he would set up for it. 
He stated that he got his |25 by going in a vessel on the lakes, where he had 
certain perquisites of his own. 

The committee made many other enquiries of Gov. Skeen and his servants, 
together with the captain, (Delaplace). And ex-Governor Cuff stated that he 
had been advised to resign his office to Skeen's negro by some of his black 
friends and some of the regulars, and that he appointed him without an election 
as some of them declared they would not have a tory for a governor. On Friday 
night after the election, the negroes had a dance and entertainment at Mr. 
Knox's, in Hartford, at an expence of 50s., which was paid by others, and Gov. 
Skeen's negroes were not allowed to pay any thing. This bill was paid by 
Majors French and Dermet ; which facts were stated to the Governor and 
Council by Jesse Root, Esq., Chairman, May 22, 1776. 

* Joseph Allen, the father of Col. Ethan Allen, was born in Coventry, in this 
State, and when young he married Mary Baker, of Roxbury, then a society of 
Woodbury, Connecticut, at which place they resided until the birth of their two 
eldest children, of which Ethan is supposed to be one of them. Joseph Allen 
then removed his family to Litchfield, from Litchfield he again removed to Corn- 
wall or Salisbury, from which place several of the sons with Ethan emigrated to 
Vermont, in the early part of the settlement of that territory. 

Capt. Seth Warner, (afterwards Col. Warner) was the third in command in 
the taking of Ticonderoga, though he did not cross the Lake and reach Ticon- 
deroga until after Col. Allen, with hia 83 men were in full possession of it. 
Col. Allen sent Capt. Warner with a detachment of men to take Crown Point, 
who were met at Crown Point by Capt. Remember Baker with his company, 
and united with Capt. Warner in taking the post. 

Col. Allen, and Captains Warner and Baker were all born at Roxbury, then a 
society in Woodbury. After the close of the war. Col. Warner returned to his 
farm in Roxbury, on which he remained until his death. He was interred at 
Roxbury, over whose remains was erected a marble table, on which is inscribed 
a short history of his valorous deeds in the revolution. 



34 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

This, the first offensive miHtary operation of the revolution- 
ary war, was of great importance to the colonies. Besides fur- 
nishing a large supply of arms, it opened to them the entrance 
into Canada. 

The honor of the first conquest, made by the colonies, belongs 
chiefly to Connecticut. She also had to sustain the burthen of 
maintaining her acquisition, although the captured posts were 
within the jurisdiction of the colony of New York. One thou- 
sand men, under the command of Col. Hinman, were sent from 
Connecticut, in the summer of 1775, to garrison the forts of 
Ticonderoga and Crown Point. 

Note. The following is an account of moneys advanced and paid out of the 
public Treasury of Connecticut, for the benefit and defence of the colonies in the 
year 1775 to Nov. 18th, 1775. 

To the militia marched in the Lexington alarm, £7,824 6 6 ; in reducing and 
securing the fortresses at Ticonderoga and Crown Point, j£l,511 5 0; raising, 
and advanced for wages to the eight regiments, £49,330 4 5 ; for supplying said 
troops with stores and provisions, £56,951 8 2 ; for equipping said troops with 
arms, accoutrements, and ammunition, ^1,213 4 8 ; for supplying the battalion 
of riflemen on their march, £297 9 ; fitting out two armed vessels, £1,415 0; 
for raising troops for defence of the sea coast, mounting cannon, and erecting 
the battery at New London, £930 8 6 ; for procuring powder, lead, flints, three 
thousand stands of arms, &c., £7,563 19 7 ; to supply loss of blankets and arms 
at Bunker Hill, £204 9 7 ; to non-commissioned oflicers and soldiers of militia 
for special attendance on military discipline, per order of Assembly, October, 
1774, £5,152 4 0; to expense of the special session of the Assembly, &c., 
£2,216 19 8; for post riders and expreses, £345 3 5 ; for various services, 
transportation, &c., £2,094 18 10. Total amount, £137,051 1 5. 

NoTK. When the news of the Lexington alarm reached Gen. Putnam, he was 
ploughing in his field. So anxious was he for the fight, that he stopped his 
team and left them in the unfinished furrow, without even taking off the yoke 
from his oxen, went to his house, bid farewell to his wife, mounted his horse and 
started for Lexington and Boston. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 35 



THE SPIRIT OF THE YEAR 1774. 

The great object in the year 1774, by those who supposed 
war with the mother country was inevitable, was to form pubUc 
opinion in favor of war with Great Britain ; to do which, it 
became necessary to inform the people of their just rights, by 

The following scraps of Historical Facts are inserted for 
preservation. 

In December, 1774, Gen. Timothy Ruggles, of Hard wick, in,^-^ 
Massachusetts, who was one of the leaders of the royalists, bold- 
ly espoused the cause of the King, by forming an association of 
lories in that and other colonies, under a constitution or compact, 
of six articles, to which, the signatures of such as united in said 
association were subscribed, which was openly published in the 
newspapers in Boston, Hartford, and other places. 

1st. That they would on all occasions with their lives and 
fortunes, stand by and assist each other, in defence of life, liberty 
and property, when attacked or endangered by any body of men, 
riotously assembled under any pretence or authority not warrant- 
ed by the laws of the land. 

2d. To mutually support each other in the free exercise of 
their undoubted rights to liberty, in eating, drinking, buying, 
selling, (Tea) communing and acting, what, with, whom and as 
they pleased, consistent with the laws of God and the King. 

3d. That they would not acknowledge or submit to the pre- 
tended authority of any Congresses, committees of correspon- 
dence, or other unconstitutional assemblies of men, but to oppose 
the forcible exercise of all such authority at the risk of their 
lives. 

4th. That they would to the utmost of their power, promote 
and encourage, when called, and enforce obedience to the rightful 
authority of King George the 3d, and of his laws. 

5th. That when the person or property of any so associated 
should be invaded by any committees, mobs or unlawful assem- 
blies, that notice being given, would forthwith repair properly 



36 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

holding town meetingl^for the discussion of their greivances 
and their rights. A large majority of the yeoman of Connecti- 
cut became greatly excited, exasperated and patriotic, by holding 

armed, to the person on whom such invasion or threatening 
should be, and to the utmost of their power defend such person 
and his property, and if need be, to oppose and repel force with 
force. 

6th. That if any of such associates should be unjustly or un- 
lawfully injured in his person or property by such assemblies, the 
others should unitedly demand, and if in their power, compel 
such offenders to make full reparation for such injury, and if all 
other means of security should fail, to have recourse to the 
natural laws of retaliation. 

Several letters from England were received, stating that the 
King had issued his proclamation, and prohibited the exportation 
of either arms or ammunition from Great Britain to the colonies, 
and had ordered two men-of-war to the Texel, in Holland, to 
prevent the transportation of those articles in English bottoms to 
America. 

In December, 1774, a letter from Connecticut to a gentleman 
in New York, gave the information that the towns of Newtown 
and Ridgefield had protested against the proceedings of the Grand 
Continental Congress, and that other towns were expected to 
follow the example. 

In the latter part of January, 1775, a gentleman of Hartford 
went to New York, to procure a town stock of powder, where 
he purchased it, and on his return with it, through the town of 
Stamford, a customhouse officer seized it. When the news 
reached Hartford, thirty respectable men immediately went to 
Stamford to recover the powder, which they effected. 

Feb. 1775. At a meeting of the committees of observation of 
the towns in Litchfield county, at Litchfield, Feb, 22d, to consider 
and advise upon the most effectual method of carrying into exe- 
cution the continental association, according to the true spirit 
thereof; to cultivate that union and harmony which so happily 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 37 

town meetings. I therefore insert in this work, a few of the 
doings of several towns in this State, shewing the manner of 
forming pubhc opinion on the subject. 

At a legal meeting, held at New Haven, on the 23d day of 
May, 1774, Daniel Lyman, Esq., Moderator. 

Voted, That we will to the utmost of our abilities, assert and 

subsisted among them, and which the dark and insidious foes of 
their peace and liberty, by every base and treacherous device, 
were endeavoring to weaken and confound. They passed sev- 
eral resolutions, expressing their views upon the subject of their 
meeting ; among which they strongly recommended to the people 
of the county that they should treat all persons who should en- 
deavor by any means or ways to sow the seeds of discord, with 
that utter contempt that such criminals justly deserved ; and that 
all who should transgress the rules of the association ; that the 
people of the county should be governed by the great line of 
conduct marked by the Continental Congress, by withdrawing all 
communion from such persons, as being inimical to the rights of 
human nature ; and resolved to adopt the mode of proceeding 
agreed upon by the counties of Hartford and New Haven, in 
regard to persons accused of violating the articles of said associa- 
tion. 

By request of the students of Yale College, the exhibitions 
of the seminary were to be discontinued during the unfavorable 
aspect of the affairs of the colonies ; and the senior class appointed 
a committee to wait upon the authority of college with a petition 
for a private commencement. 

The House of Representatives of the colony of Connecticut 
voted an address of thanks to the House of Assembly of the im- 
portant island of Jamaica, for their kind and seasonable mediation, 
by their petition and remonstrance to his Majesty in favor of the 
colonies. The Speaker was directed to write to the Assembly of 
said island and enclose a copy of their resolution, and of the one 
passed May, 1773, as to appointing a committee of correspon- 
dence, inviting them to come into that method of communicating 
such intelligence as should be of public importance, and immedi- 
ately affecting the inhabitants of the British colonies and islands 

in America. 

6 



38 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

defend the liberties aWT immunities of British America, and that 
we will co-operate with our sister towns, in this and the other 
colonies, in any constitutional measures that may be thought 
most conducive to the preservation of our invaluable rights and 
privileges. 

Voted, That Joshua Chandler, Esq., Samuel Bishop, Jr., Esq., 

The distress was such in Boston, in 1775, that large quantities 
of grain, rum, &c. &c., were sent from the other colonies for 
their relief, generally done by subscriptions, particularly for the 
use of the poor ; and one John Prette John, of Barbadoes, in 
February, advertised to the people of Barbadoes, that he would 
receive on board of his vessel, rum, &c. for said purpose, together 
with what he then had for the poor of Boston. 

The Black Act had its first reading before Parliament, Feb. 10, 
1775'; in which it was resolved to bring in a bill to restrain the 
trade and commerce of the provinces of Massachusetts bay, New 
Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Providence planta- 
tions, in North America, to Great Britain, Ireland, and the British 
islands in the West Indies, and prohibit such colonies carrying on 
any fishery on the banks of Newfoundland, &c. 

The New York General Assemhly. 

For the city of New York. John Cruger, the present speaker, 
a merchant, uncle to the counsellor who married brigadier De 
Lancey's daughter, and to one of the present members for Bris- 
tol, in Parliament ; James De Lancey, nephew to brigadier De 
Lancey, and brother-in-law to governor Penn ; James Jauncey, 
a merchant, father to the counsellor, who married sir Gilbert 
Elliott's neice ; Jacob Walton, a merchant, brother-in-law to Mr. 
Cruger, the counsellor, and nephew to the speaker. 

Richmond county. Benjamin Seaman, a shop keeper, colonel 
of the militia, and judge of the county during pleasure, and father- 
in-law to the clerk of the county, who holds his office likewise 
during pleasure ; Christopher Billop, a farmer, who married 
Col. Seaman's daughter, also a colonel of the militia. 

King's county. Simon Boerum, clerk of the county, and one 
of the delegates to the general congress ; John Rapalje, colonel 
of the militia, a farmer. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 39 

Daniel Lyman, Esq., Mr. Stephen Ball,. Pierpont Edwards, Esq., 
John Whiting, Esq., Mr. Isaac Doolittle, Mr. David Austin, Capt. 
Joseph Munson, Mr. Peter Colt, Mr. Jeremiah Atwater, Mr. 
Timothy Jones, Jr., Mr. Isaac Beers, Capt. Timothy Bradley, Mr. 
Silas Kimberly, Simeon Bristol, Esq., Mr. Joseph Woodward, 
and Capt. Joel tlotchkiss, be a standing committee for the 



Queen's county. Zebulon Williams or Seamans, a farmer, 
and captain in the militia ; Daniel Kiffam, a farmer, and justice 
of the peace during pleasure. 

Suffolk county. Nathaniel Woodhull, a farmer, colonel of the 
militia, and judge of the inferior court ; William Nicoll, clerk of 
the county, a lawyer. 

West Chester county. Isaac Wilkins, a native of Jamaica, 
educated under doctor Cooper, at the New York college, now 
studying divinity, and intending soon to go home for Episcopal 
orders, likewise an intimate friend of Dr. Chandler, of Eliza- 
bethtown ; John Thomas, judge of the county during pleasure ; 
Frederick Philipse, colonel of the militia, and brother-in-law to 
Col. Morris the counsellor ; Pierre Van Cortlandt, colonel of the 
militia. 

Dutchess county. Dirck Brinckerhoff, a shop keeper, and 
colonel of the militia : Leonard Van Kleck, a shop keeper, and 
colonel of the militia. 

Albany county. Peter R. Livingston, colonel of the militia, 
eldest son of the proprietor of the manor of Livingston, and 
brother-in-law to Mr. Duane, one of the delegates, and nephew 
to Philip Livingston, another of the delegates ; Philip Schuyler, 
colonel of the militia, and first judge of Charlotte county ; Jacob 
H. Ten Eyck, a justice of the peace, and father to the sheriff of 
Albany county, both holding their offices during the pleasure of 
the governor ; Abraham Ten Broek, colonel of the militia, uncle 
to the lord of the manor of Renselaerwyck, and brother-in-law 
to Philip Livingston, Esq., one of the delegates at the Congress ; 
Jacobus Mynderffe, a farmer of Schenectady. 

Cumberland County. Samuel Wells, colonel of the militia, 
judge of the inferior court, and father-in-law to Mr. Gale, clerk 
of that county ; Crean Brush, a native of Ireland, practising the 
law in Cumberland county, who sold the clerkship of the county 
t o Judge Webb's son-m-law. 



40 RKVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

salutary purpose of kc4fmg up a correspondence with the towns 
of this and the neighboring colonies, and in conjunction with 
them, pursuing in the present important crisis, sucIj judicious and 
constitutional measures as shall appear to be necessary for the 
preservation of our just rights, the maintenance of public peace, 
and support of general union, which at this time is so absolutely 
requisite to be preserved throughout this continent. 

Tryon county. Guy Johnson, superii^endant of the Indian 
affairs, in the room of sir William Johnson, colonel of the militia, 
and judge of the inferior court ; Ilendrick Frey, colonel of the 
militia, and judge. 

Ulster County. George Clinton, a lawyer, and clerk of Ulster 
county ; Charles De Witt, a farmer. 

Orange county. John Goe, a judge of the inferior court ; 
Samuel Gall, a tavern keeper at Goshen, and major in the militia. 

When the grand question was put for considering the proceed- 
ings of the Congress, there appeared for taking them into con- 
sideration, Messrs. Boerum, Seamans or Williams, Woodhull, 
Nicoll, Van Courtlandt, Livingston, Schuyler, Ten Broek, Clin- 
ton, DeWitt. 

And against taking them into consideration, Messrs. Jauncey, 
Billop, Philipse, De Lancey, Rappleje, Van Cleck, Walton, Kis- 
sam, Brush, Col. Seaman, Wilkins. 

The other members, viz. : Thomas, Brinkerhoff, Ten Eyck, 
Mynderffe, Wells, Johnson, Frey, and Coe, being absent, when 
the question relating to the proceedings of Congress was pro- 
posed, the public must wait for some future opportunity to be 
informed of their sentiments on the interesting measures of the 
continent, for the preservation of the liberties of America. 

A correspondent, at the end of this list, raised the following 
very pertinent queries : 

First, Whether the great number of crown oflicers, or their 
near relations in the Asseinbly, is not a proof either of our 
extreme negligence of our liberties, or of the vigilance of govern- 
ment for biasing our members ? 

Second, Whether though the highest honor is due to the in- 
tegrity of so many gentlemen who nobly risked their offices by 
their fidelity to the country, it is not nevertheless a scandal to 
the province, that we have as yet no place bill to exclude such 



REVOLUTIOiNARY WAR, 1775. 41 

Also, Voted, That a copy of the above resolves, shall be trans- 
mitted to the committee of correspondence for the town of 
Boston, in answer to their letter to this town. 
A true copy of record, examined by 

Samuel Bishop, Jr., Town Clerk. 

from the House of Assembly, as after an election render them- 
selves dependent upon the Crown for offices held during plea- 
sure. And, 

Third, Whether upon the arbitrary project of the late Parlia- 
ment for introducing a council into the Massachusetts bay, at the 
pleasure of the Crown, it does not appear to be an indispensable 
duty firmly to insist upon a law utterly to exclude the dangerous 
influence of his Majesty's council, at the elections for represen- 
tatives of the people. [Connecticut Courant, April 17, 1775.] 

A gentleman from New London, who was at Cork, in Ireland, 
April 2d, 1775, wrote to his friend in New London, that there were 
then lying in Cork, ready to sail, twenty-five large transport 
ships, for Boston ; and many more were ordered to prepare for 
the same purpose ; who wrote to forewarn the Americans to be 
in readiness for the crisis. 

June 7, 1775. News arrived in Hartford, June 5th, that the 
General Committee for Albany, (N. Y.,) had resolved to raise 
eight hundred men for the defence of American liberty, and as 
soon as it was made known, three companies were immediately 
enlisted and marched for the defence of Ticonderoga and Crown 
Point. The preceding week, Col. Hinman, from Connecticut, in 
the command of the 4th Regiment of troops raised in this colony, 
marched for their station at Ticonderoga. Maj. Gen. Wooster, 
with a regiment, and Col. Waterbury's regiment had marched for 
Greenwich — eight companies of Col. Parsons' regiment were en- 
camped at New London. 

June 14, 1775. The birth-day of His Majesty, (he being 37 
years of age) was celebrated in N. York, by a royal salute from the 
Asia man-of-war, of 64 guns, in New York harbor, under the 
command of George Vandeput, the crew gave three cheers, 
which was answered by some few on the docks ; no illuminations 
in the city, except a solitary house, which lights were soon with- 



42 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

^ Lebanon, June 2d, 1774. 

Yesterday being the 1st of June, the day on which the cruel 
Edict of the British Parhament respecting the town and port of 
Boston took place, was observed here with marks of distinction. 
The bells of the town early began to toll a solemn peal, and con- 
tinued the whole day. The town house door was hung with 

drawn, which was done to shew their disapprobation of the pub- 
lic measures of the King. 

June, 1775. A letter was received at Hartford, June 19th, 
from Albany, giving the news that three Sachems had been to 
Albany, desirous to befriend the colonies, provided they did not 
interfere with the safety of Col. Johnson and Capt. Close, whom 
they intended to defend, in duty to their father-in-law. Also, 
that Gen. Johnson and his family, with fourteen batteaus and 
thirteen wagons, laden with goods and furniture, had gone to 
fort Stanwix ; and that Col. Johnson had summoned the Indians 
far and near to meet him in Oswego in General Congress. 

1775. John Ransom, of Kent, who had used bohea tea, which 
was a breach of the "non-consumption agreement" of the Asso- 
ciation, in drinking tea ; on the 24th of April, 1775, published in 
the Connecticut Journal his acknowledgment for once using inad- 
vertently that " detestable and obnoxious vegetable, called East 
India tea." 

The Continental Congress appointed George Washington, of 
Virginia, Commander-in-Chief, of all the American forces ; Arte- 
mus Ward, of Massachusetts, Charles Lee, of Pennsylvania, 
Philip Schuyler, of Albany, N. Y., Israel Putnam, of Connecticut, 
Major Generals ; John Sullivan, of New Hampshire, Brigadier 
General ; and Horatio Gates, Adjutant General. Thomas 
Mifflin, of Philadelphia, was appointed Aid-de-Camp by General 
Washington. General Lee appointed Samuel Griffin, of Vir- 
ginia, his Aid-de-Camp. 

The Newport Mercury, stated that the troops from Connecti- 
cut, at Cambridge and Roxbury, • in the fore part of July, 1775, 
were three thousand, and several other companies on their way 
there. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 43 

black, with the Act affixed thereto ; the shops in town were all 
shut and silent ; their windows covered with black and other 
ensigns of distress. Towards evening, a respectable number of 
freeholders of the place, and others, (upon short notice) appeared 
at the town house, when the Act was publicly read and observed 

New Haven, July 12, 1775. Last Sunday the sloop-of-war 
Lively chased an inward bound vessel from Connecticut, and 
with two of her armed boats, (while the sloop-of-war was 
aground on Saybrook bar) and after a short examination left the 
vessel, though the report of the guns had drawn many of the 
militia from the country to the shore, where several random 
shots were exchanged with the boats. The sloop-of-war King 
Fisher, from New York, was cruising in the Long Island sound, 
and on the 11th day of July, she came to anchor at Branford. 

July, 1775. The regiment, quartered at Cambridge, Mass., 
were assembled on parade, when the Rev. Dr. Langdon read to 
the general officers and soldiers, " a Declaration by the Represen- 
tatives of the United States, in General Congress," which set 
forth the causes and necessity of the war, which was received 
with great applause by the army, and a large concourse of citizens 
assembled, which was evinced by three huzzas from all present. 
Soon after Major General Putnam, convened all the Continental 
troops under his immediate command, on Prospect Hill, near 
Boston, where the Declaration was read to them, after which 
a pathetic address was made by the Rev. Mr. Leonard (chaplain 
of Gen. Putnam's regiment) to the army, succeeded by a perti- 
nent prayer. Gen. Putnam then gave a signal, and the whole 
army shouted their loud amen, by three cheers : a cannon was 
then fired from the fort, while the standard which had been pre- 
sented to Gen. Putnam was flourishing in the air, with the motto 
on one side " an appeal to Heaven," on the other side, " Qui 
transtulit sustinet." 

July 6th, 1775. A German hussar, a veteran in the wars of 
Germany, appeared at the door of Congress, in Philadelphia, in 
his uniform and on horseback, with a fortorn cap upon his head, 
with a streamer waving from it, half down to his waistband, with 
a death's head painted in front, a beautiful hussar cloak, orna- 
mented with lace and fringe and cord of gold, a scarlet waist- 



44 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

upon ; when the foll^ing Address was made, and Resolutions 
unanimously adopted : 

Gentlemen, The occasion of our meeting is interesting and 
solemn — I hope we are met together with dispositions suitable 
to the occasion. We are now, my brethren, to determine 
whether we will tamely submit to every act of cruel oppression, 

coat under it, with shining yellow mettle buttons ; a light gun 
strung over his shoulders ; a turnpike sabre, much superior to an 
highland broad sword, very large and well fortified by his side ; 
holsters and pistols upon his horse ; indeed a most war-like and 
formidable figure. He reported he had fifty such men ready to 
enlist under him, who were used to the service as hussars in 
Germany, and wished immediately to visit Boston to see Bur- 
goyne's light horse. [Connecticut Journal.] 

Several towns in Connecticut sent to Boston, provisions, 
stockings, and other clothing. 

A new plan was adopted in Connecticut as to post riders and 
post masters, in 1775. 

The constitutional post offices on the southern road were 
kept by Winsley Hobby, at Middletown ; Elias Beers, at New 
Haven ; Thaddeus Burr, at Fairfield, and John Holt, Esq., 
(printer) at New York, who was the only person authorized to 
receive the eastern letters for New York, and the mails for the 
southern provinces. 

In May, 1775, the inhabitants of New London received the 
information from Cambridge, that Gen. Gage intended seizing 
all our vessels on the sea doast, and that New London would soon 
be visited, which caused several persons to move their families 
and effects out of New London. 

The congregational clergy of New England were active in 
the cause of liberty during the revolution, and taught the people 
from their pulpits, tlfat the Christian religion was a stranger to 
mere despotic power, as the great Montesquieu declared. The 
clergy declared to the King and his tories, as did Socrates when 
accused by the Atheneans of corrupting and seducing the youth 
of Athens by his philosophy, he defended himself more like an 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 45 

or indignantly reject, and with manly resolution remonstrate to, 
every instance of unjust power, by whatever hand attempted. 
Persuaded you cannot hesitate one momemt in tlie choice of the 
alternative, and will propose the following Resolutions. 

That we do all at this time, heartily sympathise with our 
brethren of Boston, in the scenes of distress which this day opens 
upon them. 

apostle than a philosopher, by saying " that he believed the pro- 
vince was committed to him by God, that he was called by him 
to this employment, to endeavor to reform the world, and there- 
fore for him to forsake his station for fear of death, or of any 
other temporal evil, would be a most grievous sin. I am not 
(said he) afraid to die ; but this I am afraid of, to disobey the 
commands of my Superior, and to desert the station, he has 
placed me in, and to give over the work he has appointed me : 
this I must affirm to you, that I ought to obey God rather than 
you ; and so long as I have breath, I will never give over exhort- 
ing and teaching the people." 

Major Skeen had a commission appointing him Governor of 
Ticonderoga, Crown Point, and Montreal, with orders to raise a 
regiment of Canadians to join Gen. Gage against the Americans. 

On the 16th of July, an express passed through Hartford from 
Crown Point to Governor Trumbull. 

The camp distemper raged at Boston, not only in the army, 
but among the citizens. 

On the 19th of July, a company of riflemen arrived in Hart- 
ford from Philadelphia, of one hundred and seven men, the next 
day they proceeded on their march to join the army. 

On the 23d of July, the Derby company passed through Hart- 
ford from their station at New Haven, on their way to Cambridge. 

On the 25th of July, his majesty's ships of war, the Rose, com- 
manded by Wallace ; the Swan, commanded by James Ascough ; 
the King Fisher, commanded by Montague, with a small tender, 
arrived in New London harbor and cast their anchors. 

On Tuesday preceding the 27th day of July, about one thou- 

7 



46 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

That we view witl^he utmost indignation, the cruel act of 
unjust power which introduces this distress. 

That we consider them as suffering under the hand of minis- 
terial vengeance for their noble exertions in the cause of liberty ; 
the common cause of all America. 

sand men under Col. Waterbury, of Connecticut, marched from 
the camp at Harlaem for Albany. 

Among the many who signalized themselves by heir gallantand 
intrepid conduct in the battle at Bunker Hill, from Connecticut, 
were Maj. Gen. Putnam, whose capacity to plan and execute 
great designs, and whose undaunted courage on that occasion, 
raised him to an enviable height in the estimation of the Ameri- 
cans; Maj. John Chester, of Wethersfield, captain of a company 
in Gen. Spencer's regiment ; Lieut. Col. S. Webb, who marched 
up to the lines with their men and reinforced the troops, by their 
undaunted courage, were justly entitled to the grateful acknowl- 
edgment of their country ; Lieut. John Keyes, in Capt. Knowl- 
ton's company, of Ashford, was on the l^ft wing in the action, and 
fought with invincible resolution ; Lieut. Thomas Grosvenor, of 
Thompson, charged the enemy closely and maintained his ground 
like a hero, until wounded in his hand; Lieut. Bingham, of Nor- 
wich, and Ensign Bill, of Lebanon, gave full proof of their cour- 
age ; Capt. Knowlton, Capt. Coit, Lieuts. Dana and Hide, and 
many other officers and soldiers, who distinguished themselves 
by their courage and merit, deserve recording in the history of 
their country. 

August 7, 1775. General Putnam who commanded the Con- 
necticut troops at Boston, was esteemed as a veteran soldier ; he 
had served during the whole of the (then) last war against the 
French ; he was wounded fifteen times in the service of his 
country ; he was once taken prisoner by the Indians, who first 
attempted to scalp him, then tied him to a tree, and when about 
to set fire to the combustibles thrown around him, a French 
officer happening at the instant to pass by, saved his life. Such 
a man was qualified to command the virtuous provincials of 
Connecticut ; one who was noticed for his undoubted bravgry, 
good sense, honor, and patriotism. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, U75. 47 

And that we are heartily wilHng and desirous to unite our little 
powers in whatever general measure shall be thought best for 
the- security and permanency of the just rights and privileges of 
our country. Being determined, as far as we are able, to stand 
fast in the liberties wherewith God has made them free. And at 

The Continental Congress established a continental post 
office, and appointed Dr. Benjamin Franklin, post master, with a 
salary of $1,000 per annum. 

About sixty aged gentlemen at Middletown, (as was the case 
in other towns in Connecticut) formed themselves into a com- 
pany to attain the military art, with a determination of preserving 
the liberty of their country ; the drummer of said company was 
over eighty years of age, and was as much engaged and alert as 
in his younger days. 

Nine companies of riflemen from Virginia, Maryland, and 
Pennsylvania, passed mrough Hartford, on their way to Head 
Quarters at Cambridge, commanded by able and spirited officers ; 
even the soldiers vs^re many of them gentlemen of fortune. 

Three companies raised in Connecticut, passed through Hart- 
ford, to join the army at Cambridge. 

Col. Thompson, colonel of the Pennsylvania firsl^ regiment of 
riflemen, with a number of young gentlemen volunteers, passed 
through Hartford for the camp at Cambridge. 

About the 6th day of August, nine ships, one brig, one scow, 
one schooner, and two sloops, were discovered beating up New 
London harbor, which alarmed the people of the town ; they 
immediately sent out expresses to alarm the neighboring towns. 
But it was discovered they were bound for Fisher's Island to 
take off stock, which they effected by the next morning, viz. : 
1,130 sheep, 3 milch cows, 1 pair of working oxen, 25 young 
cattle, and 10 hogs, (the fat beef had been carried off" the day be- 
fore). On Tuesday morning, they anchored on the east side of 
Gardner's Island, where they took off" the stock. 

News was received from Westmoreland, in the west part of 
the colony of Connecticut, that about fifty Indians of the Six 



48 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

the same time wo4V unite our ardent supplications to our 
Almighty Helper, the Great Father of the distressed, that 
American councils may be directed by his wisdom, to those 
measures that shall be most conducive to the desired end. 



nations came there and encamped a short distance from the 
settlement, and the next day came into the village and delivered 
their message, and declared their grief at the ditlerence between 
Great Britaui and the Colonics ; that they should not take up 
the hatchet on either side ; that they wished to be at peace with 
the English as long as thf stream ran down the Susquehannah 
river. That should a difference arise, they would try every 
healing measure for the redress of the greivance ; that as Col. 
Grey Johnson had left his habitation and they had no superin- 
tendant, they desired Col. Butler to take the trust ; and that 
they might in future hold their Congresses at Westmoreland. 

On the 13th of August, 1775, a rifle co^npany from Lancaster 
county, Penn., and two companies raised in Connecticut, passed 
through Hartford to join the army near Boston. 

A treaty with the six nations of Indians, as reported by Capt. 
Breed, of Wyoming, was made, who was desired by some of the 
chiefs to give their love to the great man at the head of the Con- 
gress at Philadelphia, and desired that all future messages from 
Congress to the Six Nations, should be made through Col. Butler. 

The fleet of men-of-war who plundered Fisher's Island, took 
also about 50 cattle and 800 sheep from Gardner's Island, and 1 1 
cattle from Plumb Island, and sailed for Boston. Mr. Brown, 
the owner of the stock r.t Fisher's Island was applied to for the 
stock, and payment oftered for it, but wishing not to dispose of it, 
they threatened to take it without paying him, when he reluct- 
antly received payment ; but the stock taken from the other two 
Islands were taken without paying any consideration. General 
Wooster, of Connecticut, soon arrived at Oyster Pond, from New 
York, with four hundred troops, who took the stock that was left 
on Gardner's and Plumb Islands, and ordered the grain on the 
Islands to be immediately threshed and carried on to Long 
Island. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 49 

At a very full meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Nor- 
wich, legally warned and held in said Norwich, the 6th day of 
June, 1774. Hon. Jabez Huntington, Moderator. 

Voted, We will to the utmost of our abilities, assert and defend 
the liberties and immunities of British America; and that we 
will co-operate with our brethren in this and the other colonies, in 

In August, 1775, an express arrived at New London from 
Black Point, with the news that a British man-of-war was 
anchored near there, and it was supposed to take off the stock. 
A detachment of troops, marched immediately for Black Point, 
but before the party arrived notice was given, that the man-of- 
war had weighed anchor and put out to sea. 

August, 1775. News was received at Hartford, August 28th, 
that Congress had appointed Col. Samuel Mott, Chief Engineer 
in the army, under Gen. Schuyler ; and that Gen. Washington 
had appointed Major Thomas Mifflin, Quarter Master General, 
John Parker, Esq., Assistant Quarter Master General, John 
Trumbull, Esq., of Connecticut, Major of Brigade, Richard Cary, 
Esq., Major of Brigade, Edmond Randolph, and George Baylor, 
Esqrs., Aids-de-Camp, in place of Majors Mifflin and Trumbull 
promoted. 

Hartford, Sept. 4th, 1775. Jonathan Pettibone, colonel of the 
18th regiment of militia in this colony, on receiving the notice 
from the Continental Congress to enlist the one-fourth part of the 
militia to be in readiness on the shortest notice for service, gave 
orders to the captains of his regiment tQ muster their men for 
said purpose, as minute men. The spirit was so generous in the 
soldiery, that a number sufficient to form three companies of sixty- 
eight men each, exclusive of officers, immediately enlisted, chose 
their officers, soon equipt, and were ready for any expedition on 
the shortest notice. 

On the 28th day of August, 1775, Col. Waterbury's regiment, 
and a regiment from New York, being about eleven hundred 
men, embarked from Ticonderoga for the Isle Aux Noix, four- 
teen miles below St. John's, to fortify, and gain the command of 
the lake. 



50 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

such reasonable mes0tes as shall in General Congress, or other- 
wise, be judged most proper to relieve us from the burthens we 
now feel, and secure us from greater evils we fear will follow 
from the principles adopted by the British Parliament respecting 
the town of Boston. 



In the war against the French, a woman by the name of 
Huntly, of Connecticut, had thirteen sons, each of them not less 
than six feet high, in the service, at the same time. A prolific 
and heroic family. 

On the 25th of September, 1775, three wagons from Philadel- 
phia, loaded with cloathing for the American Army passed 
through Hartford. 

Anecdote of General Putnam. 

During the late French war, when Gen. Amherst was marching 
across the country of Canada, the army coming to one of the lakes, 
which they were obliged to pass, found the French had a vessel 
of 12 guns upon it. He was in great distress ; his boats were no 
match for her ; and she alone was capable of sinking his whole 
army in that situation. While he was pondering what should be 
done, Putnam came up to him and said General that ship must be 
taken. Aye, says Amherst, I would give the world if she was 
taken. I'll take her, says Putnam. Amherst smiled and asked 
how ? Give me some wedges, a beetle, and a few men of my 
own choice. Amherst could not conceive how an armed vessel 
was to be taken by four or five men, a beetle and wedges. How- 
ever, he granted Putnam's request. When night came Putnam 
with his materials and men, went in a boat under the vessel's 
stern, and in an instant drove in the wedges behind the rudder in 
the little cavity between the rudder and ship and left her. In the 
morning the sails were seen fluttering about ; she was adrift in 
the middle of the lake ; and being presently blown ashore, she 
was easily taken. 

The return made by Gen. Gage to Lord Dartmouth of the bat- 
tle of Bunker's Hill, was as follows, viz : 1 Lieutenant Colonel, 
2 Majors, 7 Captains, 9 Lieutenants, 15 Sergents, 1 Drummer, 
191 Rank and File, killed ; 3 Majors, 27 Captains, 32 Lieuteii- 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 51 

Voted, That Capt. Jedediah Huntington, Christopher Leffig- 
well, Esq., Doct. Theophilus Rodgers, Capt. William. Hubbard, 
and Capt. Joseph Trumbull, be a standing committee for keep- 
ing up a correspondence with the towns of this and the neigh- 
boring colonies, and that they transmit a copy of these votes to 
the committee of correspondence for the town of Boston. 
Voted very unanimously. 
• A true copy. Attest, 

Benjamin Huntington, Jr., Town Clerk. 

At a town meeting, legally warned and held on Monday, the 
l3th day of June, 1774, in the town of Preston. Col. Samuel 
Coit, Moderator. 

This meeting, taking into consideration the dangerous situa- 
tion of the British colonies in North America, from the princi- 
ples lately adopted by the Parliament of Great Britain, by inflict- 
ing pains and penalties on the town of Boston, without a legal 
trial, or even notice of a fault ; and likewise another Act is 
pending and far advanced for vacating an important part of the 

ants, 8 Ensigns, 40 Sergents, 12 Drummers, 706 Rank and File 
wounded. 

In October several of Paxton Boys, dressed and painted like 
Indians arrived in Hartford, being a part of a body of 200 volun- 
teers on their way to Gen. Washington's Head-quarters at Cam- 
bridge. 

On the 10th of October, 1775, an armed schooner of the Con- 
necticut colony, took into New London a large ship, Barron, mas- 
ter, which she met near Stonington ; the ship had on board 8000 
bushels of wheat, taken m at Baltimore and had cleared from 
New York, for Falmouth in England ; she met with g. gale of wind, 
was overset and lost her main-mast, and was putting into Stoning- 
ton ; she was taken to Norwich with her cargo. 

October, 1775, Wm. Goddard, Esq. was appointed surveyor to 
the General Post Office of the United colonies, a place similar to 
the one held by the Hon. Hugh Finly of Quebec ; Mr. Goddard 
came to New London from a tour through the southern colo- 
nies ; next day went eastward. 



52 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

Massachusetts Charte^^ilhout any pretence of its being forfeited- 
and without trial, &c., and by sending other acts of said ParHa- 
ment, all which being carried into execution would render the 
lives, liberties, and estates of all the inhabitants of said colony, 
precarious and entirely dependent on the arbitrary will and plea- 
sure of a British Minister of State : 

Therefore, Voted, That the Royal Charters of the colonies 
ought to be maintained, as the only sacred and indissoluble bond 
of union between the Crown of Great Britain and her colonies. 

Voted, That we will join with the towns in this and the neigh- 
boring colonies in all reasonable measures as shall be thought 
best by a General Congress, or other general agreement, to 
assert and maintain all our rights and privileges, and transmit 
them inviolate to posterity. 

Voted, That if it should be thought best by said Congress, &c., 
to break off all trade with Great Britain, &c., as the best means 
to attain said end ; that (although we are not a sea-port town) 
yet we will cheerfully deny ourselves of all those advantages 
that arise to us from said trade. 

Voted, That Col. Samuel Coit, William Witter, Esq., Mr. 
John Avery, Jr., John Tyler, Esq., Capt. William Belcher, 
Samuel Mott, and Benjamin Coit, Esq'rs., be a committee for 
keeping up a correspondence with the* towns in this and the 
neighboring colonies. 

A true copy. Attest, 

Roger Sterry, Town Clerk. 



At a town meeting legally warned and held in Groton, on Mon- 
day the 20th day of June, 1774. William Williams, Esq. Mode- 
erator. 

This town taking into serious consideration the dangerous situ- 
ation of the British colonies in North America, respecting sundry 
acts of the British Parliament, particularly those for shutting up 
the port of Boston, the metropolis of the province of Massachu- 
setts Bay, and abridging their charter rights, &c., which, if 
carried into execution, not only deprive us of all our privileges, 
but render life and liberty very precarious. And as we esteem 
the inhabitants of Boston, now suffering under the tyranny of 
said acts of Parliament, and in the common cause of America. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 53 

Therefore, Voted, That we will join with the other towns of 
this colony in such reasonable measures as shall be judged best 
for the general good, and most likely to obtain redress of our 
grievances. 

Voted, That we esteem a General Congress of all the colo- 
nies the only probable method to obtain a uniform plan for the 
preservation of the whole. 

Voted, That if it shall be judged best by said Congress to 
stop all exports to Great Britain and the West India Islands, and 
imports from thence, we will most cheerfully acquiesce in their 
determination; esteeming the benefits arising therefrom, mere 
trifles, compared with the rights and privileges of America. 

Voted, That Messrs. William Ledyard, Thomas Mumford, 
Benadam Gallup, Esq., Amos Prentice, Charles Eldridge, Jr., 
Deac. John Hurlburt, and Amos^Geer, be a committee to corres- 
pond with the committees of the several towns in this and the 
other British colonies. 

A copy of record, examined by 

William Avery, Town Clerk. 



At a meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Lyme, in New 
London county, by legal notice, convened and held in said Lyme 
the 20th of June, 1774. Eleazer Mather, Esq., was chosen 
Moderator of said meeting. 

At the same meeting it was voted and Resolved, That we 
sincerely profess ourselves to be true and loyal subjects of his 
sacred majesty King George the Third. 

Also Voted, &c.. That we are heartily concerned for the dif- 
ficulties attending the town of Boston, in consequence of the late 
extraordinary measures taken with them by the British Parlia- 
ment, that affairs appear to us with a threatening aspect on the 
liberties of all British America. 

Also Voted, &c.. That we will to the utmost of our abilities, 
assert and defend the liberties and immunities of British America, 
and that we will co-operate with our brethren in this and the 
other colonies, in such reasonable measures as shall in General 
Congress, or otherwise, be judged most proper to relieve us and 
our brethren in Boston, from the burdens now felt, and secure us 
8 



54 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

from the evils we feai^gpill follow from the principles adopted by 
the British Parliament respecting the town of Boston. 

Also Voted, That Eleazer Mather, Esq., Mr. John McCurdy, 
John Lay, 2cl, William Noyes, Esq'rs., and Mr. Samuel Mather, 
Jr., be a standing committee for the purpose of keeping up a 
correspondence with the towns of this and the neighboring colo- 
nies ; and that they transmit a copy of these votes to the com- 
mittee of correspondence for the town of Boston. 
A true copy of record, examined by 

John Lay, 2d, Reg'r. 



At a town meeting held in New London, Monday, the 27th 
day of June, A. D. 1774. Richard Law, Esq. chosen Mod- 
erator. • 

This town taking into serious consideration the alarming situa- 
tion of the North American colonies, with regard to divers acts 
of the British Parliament, for raising a revenue on the subjects of 
said colonies without their consent, and also a late act of Parlia- 
ment for blocking up the port of Boston, the metropolis of the 
province of Massachusetts Bay, a province that has ever afforded 
its utmost aid to Great Britain and her American dominions : and 
being advised that divers other acts of Parliament are probably 
passed since the last mentioned act, whereby their charter privi- 
leges will be utterly destroyed, and the inhabitants of said pro- 
vince reduced to a state of abject vassallage, unless relief can be 
had in the case. 

We consider the province of Massachusetts Bay as destined to 
be the first victim of ministerial tyranny, and after her, the other 
colonies will share the same fate. It is manifest to us that the 
design of the British ministry is to reduce North America to 
slavery, with as much rapidity as possible ; and then exert their 
utmost efforts against the liberties of Great Britain, and thereby 
reduce the British empire under the nod of an absolute mon- 
arch — whereby property and liberty — civil and religious, will be 
annihilated, and the life of the subject be at the will of a despot. 
Therefore we hold it an indispensable duty, both to ourselves and 
posterity, to exert the powers heaven has endowed us with, to 
contribute every thing in our power, in a constitutional manner, to 
avert the calamity hanging over this continent. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 55 

And therefore we declare and resolve : 

In the First place, we most expressly declare, recognize, 
and acknowledge His Majesty King George the Third, to be the 
lawful and rightful King of Great Britain, and all other of his 
dominions and countries ; and that it is our indispensable duty, 
as being part of His Majesty's Dominions, always to bear faithful 
and true allegiance to His Majesty, and him to defend to the ut- 
most of our power, against all attempts upon his person, crown, 
and dignity. 

Note for Preservation. — Soon after the ratification of the treaty of Paris, 
by which Great Britain acquired Nova Scotia, Canada, the Isle of Cape Breton, 
and other islands in the gulf and river St. Lawrence, the ministry announced 
their intention of quartering troops in Amei'ica, at the expense of the colonies. 
They also avowed liieir determination of raising the revenue, necessary for that 
purpose, by a duty on foreign sugar, molasses, and stamped paper. 

The act of Parliament, imposing the duty on the tvvo first mentioned articles, 
was passed in 1764, and, though it caused general uneasiness and suspicion, yet 
the people peaceably submitted ; but the act laying a duty on stamped paper, and 
making it essential to the validity of all legal and mercantile transactions, passed 
in the early part of the year 1765, was considered a violation of the British 
constitution, and an encroachment on British liberty. The right, claimed by 
Parliament, to tax the colonies without their consent, or even representation, 
more than the amount demanded, called forth a spontaneous burst of popular 
indignation. Several of the colonial legislatures animadverted with great sever- 
ity upon the acts of Parliament, and passed spirited resolutions, asserting th 
rights of the colonies, and denying the constitutional power of Parliament to tax 
them without their consent. 

The legislature of Massachusetts proposed a Congress of deputies from each 
colony to deliberate upon the subject, and adopt the proper measures to procure 
the repeal of the act. On the first Tuesday in October, 1765, twenty-eight 
deputies from the colonies of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New 
York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the counties of Delaware, Maryland, and 
South Carolina, met in the city of New York. The legislatures of Virginia, 
North Carolina, and Georgia, were prevented from sending deputies by their 
governors. This Congress, after recapitulating the grievances complained of, 
resolved to petition the King and Parliament for their redress. They also 
recommended to the several colonies to appoint special agents for the same 
purpose. 

In the mean time combinations were formed in several of the colonies for 
resisting tlie execution of the law, by compelling the officers, appointed by the 
crown for the sale of stamped paper, to resign their offices. In the month of 
August, the effigy of Andrew Oliver, Esq., who had been appointed stamp- 
master for the colony of Massachusetts, was found hanging on a tree, ever 
since known by the name of " liberty tree," standing on one of the principal 
streets in Boston. The following night, a small building, which Mr. Oliver had 
erected for an"" ofllice, was pulled down ; the windows of his dwelling house 



56 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

2d. That the cause ^FBoston is the common cause of all the 
North American colonies. 

3d. That the preservation of the lives, liberties, and properties 
of the subjects in North America, depends (under God) on a 
strict union of all the colonies throughout the continent. 

4th. That we earnestly wish for, and will promote all in our 
power, a General Congress of Commissioners from all the colo- 
nies on this continent, to be convened with all possible speed. 

broken in, and a part of his furniture destroyed. The next day, he announced 
his determination of having no agency in the execution of the stamp act. 

The same month, Jared IngersoU, Esq., who had received the appointment of 
stamp-master in Connecticut, was burnt in effigy at New Haven ; but notwith- 
standing this modest hint to resign his office, he signified his determination to 
disciiarge its duties. This annunciation, instead of allaying the indignation of 
the populace, aroused it to a still higher degree, and prompted them to secure 
his person, and convey him to Hartford for farther proceedings. The following 
account of their proceedings is copied from the Connecticut Courant of Sept. 
23d, 1765, and does not differ materially from the relation given by Mr. Inger- 
soU, and published in the Connecticut Gazette of the 27th of the same month, 
(viz.) : 

" Last Wednesday afternoon, a large company of able bodied men, came to town 
(Hartford) on horseback from the eastern part of this government, and informed 
those who were willing to join them, that they were on their way to New 
Haven, to demand the stamp-master of this colony to resign his office ; that a 
number of their companions were gone on the lower roads, and that they had all 
agreed to rendezvous at Branford, the next day, (Thursday) and that fhey 
should tarry in town that night ; they then dispersed to different parts of the 
town for lodging. In the evening advice was received, that Mr. Ingersoll was 
on the road to this place ; that he would be in town the next day, and that he 
intended to apply to the Assembly for protection ; and it being conjectured that 
he might come to town in the night to shun the mob, (who he had heard were 
on their way to pay him a visit) it was agreed that a watch should patrol the 
streets all night, to prevent his coming in unnoticed; but they made no dis- 
coveries. 

" On Thursday morning, the whole body, including a considerable number 
from this town, (Hartford) set off on their intended expedition, and in about an 
hour, met Mr. Ingersoll at the lower end of Wethersfield, and let him know their 
business. He at first refused to comply, but it was insisted upon, that he should 
resign his office of stamp-master, so disagreeable to his countrymen. After 
many proposals, he dehvered the resignation, mentioned below, which he read 
himself in the hearing of the whole company ; he was then desired to pronounce 
the words liberty and property, three times, which he having done, the whole 
body gave three huzzas. Mr. Ingersoll then went to a tavern and dined with 
several of the company ; after dinner the company told Mr. Ingersoll, as he was 
bound to Hartford, they would escort liim there ; which they did, to the number 
of about five hundred persons on horseback. After they arrived in town, Mr. 
Ingersoll again read his resignation in public, when three huzzas more were 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 57 

5tli. That it is our hearty desire said General Congi'ess should, 
among other of their determinations, resolve to stop all imports 
and exports to and from Great Britain, and otherwise discontinue 
trade as they shall see fit. That a General Congress should be 
annually held on this continent, and in that case point out the 
method for best effecting so noble a design on which the future 
happiness of the colonies greatly depends. 

6th. That we will religiously abide by the resolves of the Gen- 
eral Congress of the united North American colonies. 

7th. That the resolves of the General Assembly of this colony 
at their session in May last, be recorded at large in the Town 
Book. 

8th. That Richard Law, Esq., Col. Gurdon Saltonstall, Mr. 
Nathaniel Shaw^, Jr., Maj. Samuel Holden Parsons, and Capt. 
Guy Richards, be, and they are hereby appointed a committee to 
correspond with the committees of correspondence in this or any 
other colony in North America ; and they are hereby directed to 

given ; when the whole company immediately dispersed without making the 
least disturbance." 

The following is a copy of Mr. Ingersoll's resignation. 

" Wethersfield, Sept. 19th, 1765. 
" I do hereby promise, that I will never receive any stampt papers, which may 
arrive from Europe, in consequence of any act lately passed in the Parliament 
of Great Britain, nor officiate in any manner as stamp-master, or distributor of 
stamps within the colony of Connecticut, either directly or indirectly ; and I do 
hereby notify all the inhabitants of his majesty's colony of Connecticut (notwith- 
standing the said office, or trust has been committed to me) not to apply to me, 
ever hereafter, for any such stamped paper, hereby declaring that I do decline 
said office, and execute these presents of my own free will and accord, without 
any equivocation, or mental reservation. 

" In witness whereof, I have hereto set my hand, 

" J. Ingersoll." 

" An aged gentleman, of Wethersfield, who was an eye witness, and distinctly 
remembers the transaction, represents it as being peculiarly pompous and im- 
posing. He says Mr. Ingersoll was a middle aged man, dressed in the full 
costume of the time — brown coat, buckskin breeches, long boots, bob-tailed wig, 
and three cornered hat ; that he mounted a stage, which had been prepared for 
his accommodation, and addressed the multitude with great ease and fluency, 
and that when he gave up his commission, he thre\)( up his hat and commission, 
both of which he held in his hand ; they cheered him with great enthusiasm. 
There were several other out-breakings of indignant feeling in other parts of 
the colony, but none worthy of particular notice. 



58 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

transmit a copy of i\y0t resolves to the committee of correspon- 
dence in Boston ; and that any three of the above said committee 
be a quorum. 

A true copy of record, examined by 

GuuDON Saltonstall, Recorder. 



Note. — The following song shews the spirit of the Americans, previous to 
the war. 

COMPOSED BY A SON OF LIBERTY. 

[Written Feb. 13th, 1770.] 

TUNE— The " British Grenadier." 

That seat of science, Athens, and earth's great mistress, Rome — 
Where now are all their glories ? — we scarce can find their tomb ! 
Then guard your rights, Americans ! nor stoop to lawless sway : — 
Oppose, oppose, oppose, oppose — my brave America ! 

Proud Albion bow'd to Csesar, and num'rous lords before — 
To Picts, to Danes, to Normans, and many masters more : 
But we can boast, Americans, we never fell a prey ! — 
Huzza, huzztf, huzza, huzza, for brave America ! 

We led fair Freedom hither, and lo ! the desert smil'd ! 

A Paradise of pleasure was open in the wild : 

Your harvest, bold Americans — no power shall snatch away ! — 

Assert yourselves, yourselves — ye sons of brave America ! 

Torn from a world of tyrants, beneath this western sky 

We formed a new Dominion — a land of liberty : 

The world shall own their masters here — then hasten on the day — 

Huzza, huzza, huzza, huzza, for brave America ! 

God bless this maiden climate ! and through her vast domain, 
Let hosts of heroes cluster, who scorn to wear a chain ; 
And blast the venal sycophants, who dare our rig-hts betray — 
Preserve, preserve, preserve, preserve my brave America I 

Lift up your heads ray heroes ! and swear with proud disdain, 
The wretch who would enslave you, shall spread his snares in vain ! 
Should Europe empty all her force, we'd meet them in array, — 
And shout, and shout, and fight, and fight for brave America ! 

Some future day shall crown us the masters of the main. 
And giving laws and freedom to England, France, and Spain : 
When all the isles o'er Ocean spread, shall tremble and obey 
Their lords, their lords, their lords, their lords" of brave America ! 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 59 

At a meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Windham, 
legally warned and held in Windham, June 23d, 1774. Nathan- 
iel Wales, Jr., Esq., Moderator. 

This meeting being impressed with a deep sense of the pres- 
ent alarming aspects of Divine Providence over the British colo- 
nies in North America, arising from the present depressed situa- 
tion and condition of the capital of a neighboring province, in 
having their harbor and port blocked up by ships-of-war, in hos- 
tile array, to the terror of the people, totally and actually ob- 
structing all commerce by sea into or from said port, thereby 
forcibly preventing the due performance of all private maritime 
contracts, rendering useless their whole navigation, stores, and 
wharves, built and erected at a vast expense by the inhabitants ; 
a principle which threatens ruin and destruction both to the 
liberties and properties of every subject throughout the British 
empire. 

And being further alarmed by a bill late depending before the 
Parliament of Great Britain, for regulating the government of 
the Massachusetts Bay, too long to be here recited, though re- 
plete with arbitrary, threatening resolutions, threatening destruc- 
tion to all corporations in Great Britain, and all chartered rights 
in America. In view of these, as well as many other impending 
dangers and calamities, and from a firm belief and persuasion that 
there is a supreme, almighty, infinitely good and merciful Being, 
who sits at the helm of universal nature, by whom kings reign, 
and princes decree justice, and who has the hearts of all princes 
and potentates of the earth in his hands, and under his almighty 
control ; and however faulty the instruments and procurers of 
those calamities may be, yet, considering our sins and impieties, 
they are just as coming from the hand of God, and are to be 
averted by humiliation, deep repentance, and reformation. We 
therefore sincerely wish and hope a day may be set apart for 
solemn fasting and prayer, as recommended by our late General 
Assembly ; and beg further to intimate to our brethren in the 
several towns in this colony, to render the observation of that 
day more agreeable to the divine direction, (viz : to undo the 
heavy burdens, and let the oppressed go free, to distribute to the 
necessities of the distressed,) that on that day we be united in 
opening our hearts in contributing to the relief of the injured 
and oppressed indigent inhabitants of the town of Boston, es- 



60 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

pecially those who ar^Wbw more immediately so, by means of 
the late iron hand of oppression on that worthy metropolis. 

But fully to express our sense of the late attempts upon the 
town and port of Boston, the arbitrary attacks on the most 
sacred rights of communities, the violent depredations on private 
property and liberty, and those more virulent efforts to break 
down the great barriers of civil society, founded on the solemn 
compact of kings ; a principle proclaiming sudden destruction 
upon all corporations throughout the British dominions, at the 
will and pleasure of a vengeful British ministry, even without 
complaint, notice, trial, or constitutional adjudication or forfei- 
ture, words fail, and the English language is deficient. But this 
is in part executed, and much more than threatened, only under 
the pretence at most, that some of the inhabitants of Boston, or 
the neighboring towns, have committed a trespass on the prop- 
erty of the East India Company, a company (horrendum dictu !) 
who have spread destruction over the eastern world ! Behold 
the tragic scenes in that eastern clime ! the murders of millions, 
by sword and baneful famine ; depriving those innocents of the 
necessaries of life, who by the favor of heaven and their own 
industry, were overflowing with the wealth and profusion of the 
Indias, and all to satisfy the insatiable lust of gain and oppres- 
sion ! Let the Spanish barbarities in Mexico, and the name of a 
Cortez, sink' in everlasting oblivion, while such more recent su- 
perior cruelties bear away the palm in the late annals of their 
rapine and cruelty ; though many worthy individuals of that body 
ought, no doubt to be excused from the general imputation. We 
applaud the solemnity of the noble Virginians and Philadelphiaris, 
in their religious observations of that memorable first day of 
June ; we approve their opinions and sentiments as to the threat- 
ened calamities and dangers impending America ; as also the 
Maryland resolves, with the others by many worthy towns and 
bodies of people in this and neighboring provinces. We only 
wish there may be no delay in appointing time and place for a 
General Congress, which only can give union, firmness, and sta- 
bility to the whole. We impatiently wait for injured Boston to 
give the lead in that appointment. Providence, no doubt has put 
into our hands the means to work out our temporal salvation, 
which has been repeatedly suggested. Let us, dear fellow Ameri- 
cans, for a few years at least, abandon that narrow, contracted 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 61 

principle of self-love, which is the source of every vice ; let us 
once feel for our country and posterity ; let our hearts expand 
and dilate with the noble and generous sentiments of benevo- 
lence, though atttended with the severer virtue of self-denial. 
The blessings of heaven attending, America is saved ; children 
yet unborn will rise and call you blessed ; the present generation 
will, by future — to the latest period of American glory, be ex- 
tolled and celebrated as the happy instruments, under God, of 
delivering millions from thraldom and slavery, and secure per- 
manent freedom and liberty to America. 

We cannot close this meeting, without expressing our utmost 
abhorrence and detestation of those few in a devoted province, 
styling themselves ministers, merchants, barristers, and attorneys, 
who have, against the sense and opinion of the rest of that re- 
spectable government, as also of the vast extended continent, 
distinguished themselves, in their late fawning, adulating addresses 
to Governor Hutchinson, the scourge of the province which gave 
him birth, and the pest of America. His principles and conduct, 
(evidenced by his letters, and those under his approbation) are so 
replete with treason against his country, and the meanness of self- 
exaltation, as cannot be palliated by art, nor disguised by subtilty. 
In general, we esteem those addresses a high-handed insult on 
the town of Boston, and the province of Massachusetts Bay in 
particular, and on all the American colonies in general. Those 
styled merchants may plead their profound ignorance of the con- 
stitutional rights of Englishmen, as an excuse in some degree ; 
but for those who style themselves barristers and attorneys, they 
have either assumed a false character, or they must in some 
measure be acquainted with the constitutional rights of English- 
men, and those of their own province — for them to present such 
an address, is a daring affront to common sense, a high insult on 
all others of the profession, and treason against law ; and from 
that learned profession, (who are supposed to be well acquainted 
with the English constitution, and have the best means, and are 
under the greatest advantages to defend the rights of the subject, 
and yvho have been famed as the great supporters of English 
liberty,) for any of them to make a sacrifice of all to their 
pagod of vanity, and fulsome adulation, is mean, vile, and unpar- 
donable, and cannot be accounted for upon any other principles, 
but those of their master, who would sacrifice his country, to be- 
9 



62 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

come the independen^gjleacl of a respectable province ; and the 
few leaders of this infamous law-band, would, it seems, give their 
aid and support therein, to obtain the first places in his new 
kingdom. The addressing clergy, we leave to the reproaches of 
their own consciences, but lament to find that they are the first 
in the ignominious homage of their idol. 
The foregoing is a true copy of record, 

Test, Samuel Gray, Town Clerk. 



At a very full meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Far- 
mington, legally warned and held in said Farmington, the 15th 
day of June, A. D. 1774. Col. John Strong, Moderator. 

Voted, That the act of Parliament for blocking up the port of 
Boston, is an invasion of the rights and privileges of every Amer- 
ican, and as such are determined to oppose the same, together 
with all other such arbitrary and tyrannical acts, in every suitable 
way and manner that may be adopted in General Congress, to 
the intent we may be instrumental of securing, and transmitting 
our rights and privileges inviolate to the latest posterity. 

That the fate of American freedom depends greatly upon the 
inhabitants of the town of Boston, in the present alarming crisis 
of public aflliirs : — We therefore entreat them by every thing that 
is dear and sacred, to persevere with unremitted vigilance and 
resolution, till their labors shall be crowned with the desired 
success. 

That, as many of the inhabitants of the town of Boston, must, 
in a short time, be reduced to the utmost distress, in consequence 
of their Port Bill, we deem it our indispensable duty, by every 
proper and effectual method, to assist in affording them speedy 
relief In pursuance of which, a committee was appointed with 
all convenient speed, to take in subscriptions of wheat, rye, 
Indian corn, and other provisions, of the inhabitants of this town, 
and to collect and transport the same to the town of Boston, 
there to be delivered to the selectmen of said town, to be by 
them distributed at their discretion, to those who are incapa- 
citated from procuring a necessary subsistence, in consequence 
of the late oppressive measures of administration. 

That William Judd, Fisher Gay, Selah Hart, and Stephen 
Hotchkiss, Esq'rs., Messrs. John Trcadwcll, Asahel Wadsworth, 



REVOLUT[ONARY WAR, 1775. 63 

Jonathan Root, Samuel Smith, Ichabod Norton, Noadiah Hooker, 
and Gad Stanley, be, and are hereby appointed a committee to 
keep a correspondence with the towns of this, and the neighbor- 
ing colonies ; and that they forthwith transmit a copy of the votes 
of this meeting to the committee of correspondence for the town 
of Boston, and also to cause the same to be made public. 
Certified, per 

Solomon Whitman, Town Clerk. 



At a town meeting, legally warned and held at Wethersfield, 
in Connecticut, on the 17th June, 1774. 

The resolutions of the honorable House of Representatives, 
by them come into, at their session at Hartford, in May last, 
being read, were unanimously approved of, and ordered to be 
entered at large on the records of the town, as being expressive 
of the sentiments of the inhabitants on the important subjects to 
wdiich they refer, and proper to be transmitted to future times, 
in such a manner that all may have access to them on every 
proper occasion. 

The extreme distress to which our brethren of Boston are 
reduced by the merciless arm of tyranny, was then brought under 
consideration — and, 

Voted and Resolved, That this town do consider the inhabit- 
ants of Boston to be now suffering for the common cause of 
American liberty, and that we are bound in common justice, as 
well as by the early ties of friendship between our ancestors^ 
when despising every other hardship and danger, they fled from 
tyranny, civil and religious, to this continent, then a savage 
wilderness, and here erected a standard of liberty, as well as by 
the common laws of humanity, to afford them all the assistance 
in our power, both by our advice and counsel, as well as by 
giving them part of that substance which God hath blessed us 
with from time to time, as their necessities shall require. 

This town being informed that a Congress of the colonies is 
proposed, and likely to take place soon, do hereby approve of it 
as a necessary and salutary measure, when we hope and trust, a 
general non-importation and non-exportation agreement will be 
come into, and take place in the colonies. But to the delibera- 
tions of so respectable a body, and to their superior wisdom, 



64 RKVOLUTIONARY WAR. 1775. 

submit what mcasun^^rc projDcr, at so alarming and critical 
a period as this, in which nothing less is attacked than the lives 
and liberties ot" all the free born inhabitants of British America. 
Most cheerfully engaging, to the utmost of our power and in- 
fluence, to come into and promote that universal similarity of 
sentiment and proceeding, on which (under God) our all, in 
life, and every agreeable prospect for posterity, is depending. 
And in order to afford reasonable relief to those in said town of 
Boston, who may more immediately suffer by the present mea- 
sures, a contribution was recommended, and a large committee, 
of the most respectable inhabitants appointed to receive sub- 
scriptions in wheat, or other provisions, or money, and the same 
to be transmitted to the selectmen of the town of Boston, or 
such other persons as the said town of Boston shall appoint to 
receive the same. 

N. B. We have the pleasure to inform the public, that although 
this subscription was opened but on Friday last, it has already 
become almost universal in said town, and that considerable 
wheat, &c., is already collected. 



At a very full meeting of the respectable inhabitants of the 
town of Hartford, convened at the court house, on the 20th day 
of June, A. D. 1774. John Pitkin, Esq., Chairman. 

This meeting with hearts filled with loyalty, duty, and obedi- 
ence to our rightful sovereign. King George the Third, and with 
the most poignant grief at the gloomy situation the affairs of 
Great Britain and her colonies are like to be thrown into by the 
unconstitutional claim of the British Parliament to impose duties 
and taxes on the Americans without their consent ; do think 
themselves obliged, by all the ties which ever ought to preserve 
a firm union amongst Americans, as speedily as possible, to make 
known their sentiments to their distressed brethren of Boston ; 
and therefore do firmly resolve and declare. 

That they look upon the cause of Boston, in its consequences, 
to be the common cause of America. 

That the measures now pursuing against Boston, and the Mas- 
sachusetts Bay, appear to them an innovation of their natural 
rights as men, and constitutional rights as English subjects ; and, 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 65 

if not removed, will be a foundation for the utter destruction of 
American freedom. 

That all legal and constitutional means ought to be used by all 
America, for procuring a removal of the same. 

That the only eft'ectual means for obtaining such removal, 
they are at present of opinion, is an association, under the 
strongest ties, for breaking off such commercial connections with 
Great Britain, as shall be generally agreed upon, until American 
freedom be asserted and settled upon a permanent and constitu- 
tional foundation. 

That the most practicable mode of forming such an effectual 
association, they conceive, will be a General Congress, to be 
appointed from the several colonies. 

That in the mean time, they will forthwith freely contribute, 
each one, a proportion of his substance, for the relief of the poor 
of Boston, in their present distress. 

That Thomas Seymour, Ehsha Pitkin, Jesse Root, George 
Pitkin, Isaac Sheldon, Samuel Wyllys, Caleb Bull, and Abijah 
Colton, be a committee of correspondence to receive and 
answer all letters, and to promote and forward such contributions 
that may be made in this town, so as to answer the purposes for 
which the same are designed, and that any five of the number 
have power to act. Signed by order, 

George Wyllys, Clerk. 



At a very full meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Wood- 
stock, legally warned and held at said Woodstock, on the 21st 
day of June, A. D. 1774. Nathaniel Childs, Esq., was chosen 
Moderator. 

The resolves of the House of Representatives of this colony 
in May, 1774, were read, and then voted unanimously — 

1st. That the thanks of this town be given to Capt. Elisha 
Child, and Jedediah Morse, Esq., the representatives of this 
corporate body, for their consenting to, and voting the above 
resolves in conjunction with the other representatives of this 
colony, in General Court assembled, — as said resolves do honor 
to the worthy representatives of a free, loyal, and virtuous people, 
are very expressive of the sentiments of the inhabitants of this 
town, and by them judged necessary in such a day as this, when 



66 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

we have the most coi^ncing proofs of a fixed and determined 
plan* of the British administration, to overthrow the hberties of 
America, and subject these colonies to a bondage, that our 
fathers did not, would not, — fled into the wilderness that they 
might not, and God grant that we, their posterity, never may — 
bear. 

2dly. Being animated from the consideration of the absolute 
importance of adopting every rational and probable means in our 
power for the political salvation of our country ; we engage to 
contribute our utmost exertions in defence of our American 
liberties and privileges, and stand ready to join our brethren in 
this and the other American colonies, in every probable measure 
that may influence Great Britain to withdraw her oppressive 
hand. At the same time we apprehend that a General Congress, 
consisting of delegates from each colony on the continent, is 
necessary, speedily to be formed, that the sentiments of the 
whole may be known, and such an unity in measures established, 
as may constitute a strength invincible by tyranny, and break out 
in one general burst against the attempts that are made, and 
making, to destroy the constitution of these governments. 

3dly. And inasmuch as the promotion of industry, frugality, 
economy, arts and manufactures among ourselves, is of great 
importance to the good of a community ; we determine, from 
this very day, to live as much within ourselves, and purchase as 
few British goods, wares, and merchandises, as possible, and give 
all due encouragement to every useful art among us. 

4thly. It having been judged needful at this alarming crisis, 
and generally come into, that committees of correspondence be 
appointed, &c. 

Voted, That Capt. Elisha Child, Charles C. Chandler, Jedediah 
Morse, Esq'rs., Capt. Samuel McClellan, and Nathaniel Child, 
Esq., be a committee for maintaining a correspondence with the 
towns of this and the neighboring colonies. 

5thly. Voted, That a copy of these votes be printed in the 
New London Gazette, to manifest the deep sense we have of the 
Parliamentary invasion of the constitutional rights of the British 
Americans. A true copy. 
Attest, 

Elisha Child, Town Clerk. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 67 

At a meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Pomfret, legally- 
warned and assembled on the 23d day of June, A. D. 1774. 
Col. Ebenezer Williams, Moderator. 

The present situation of the American colonies and planta- 
tions, on account of the measures pursued by the Parliament of 
Great Britain respecting them, has become of so much import- 
ance, and of so serious a nature, that it calls aloud for the senti- 
ments of every town and even every individual, to be known 
and communicated. We therefore hereby assure our brethren, 
that we will to the utmost of our abilities, contribute to the 
maintaining and supporting of our just rights and privileges, and 
to the removal of those evils already come upon us, and more 
particularly felt by the town of Boston, viewing them as the more 
immediate sufferers, yet that our liberties and privileges are all 
thereby threatened and endangered. 

We do therefore Resolve to this important end, we will unite 
in the necessary measures that may be adopted, and more partic- 
ularly pointed out at the proposed General Congress, which we 
pray may be hastened — the several dissolutions of Houses of 
Assemblies by their Governors, to prevent the same, notwith- 
standing. And in the mean time, we cannot refrain from 
adding, we will exert ourselves in promoting and encouraging 
useful and necessary manufactures, and such a spirit of economy 
and frugality among ourselves, as may prevent much of our pre- 
sent demands for British manufactures. 

And do Resolve, That every person who shall hereafter send 
for, and import any British manufactures from Great Britain, or 
trade or deal with any who shall do so, until the loyal subjects 
of America are restored to, and can enjoy their just rights and 
privileges, shall be deemed and treated by us an ungrateful enemy 
to America, and with such person or persons we will have no 
commerce or deal. 

The town then proceeded to and made choice of Ebenezer 
Williams, Thomas Williams, and Samuel Craft, Esq'rs., as their 
committee to correspond with the committees of correspondence 
in this, or the neighboring colonies, from time to time, as shall be 
thought necessary. A true copy of the original. 
Attest, 

George Sujiner, Town Clerk. 



63 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

A meeting of the ^Ipectable inhabitants of Middletown, in 
Hartford county, was called, and held in said town, on the 15th 
day of June, 1774, when there was assembled more than five 
hundred of said inhabitants, and the Hon. Jabez Haiiilin, being 
chosen chairman, they unanimously came into the following 
Resolves, viz : 

1st. That we will heartily concur in any salutary measures 
that may or shall be devised and come into, or recommended by 
a General Congress, from all or most of the colonies, or by the 
greater places of trade and commerce on the continent, or by the 
inhabitants of this colony, for the preservation of the rights of 
British Americans. 

2d. That Messrs. Matthew Talcott, Richard Alsop, and Titus 
Hosmer, be our committee of correspondence, whose duty it 
shall be to collect all such intelligence as may be necessary to 
enable us to act our part presently, and to good effect in the 
system of America ; to communicate such intelligence to others 
as may be useful to them, and the common cause, and in our 
behalf, to co-operate with the committees of other towns in this 
colony, in concerting or executing any general plan of proceed- 
ing for the good of the whole. 
Certified by 

Titus Hosmer, Clerk. 



At a meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Glastonbury, on 
the 23d day of June, A. D. 1774. Col, Elizur Talcott, Chairman. 

Voted, That it is the opinion of this meeting that the act of 
Parliament imposing a duty on tea exported to America, for the 
purpose of raising a revenue, is subversive of the rights and lib- 
erties of the British Americans, unconstitutional and oppressive. 
And we consider the late act of Parliament for blocking up the 
port of Boston, and others that are pending with respect to the 
province of Massachusetts Bay, designed not only to enslave that 
province, but as we all hold our liberties and privileges on the 
same footing with them, we consider those acts as aimed at 
the liberties of all the English colonies in America. 

We, therefore, are resolved to exert ourselves to the utmost 
of our power, in every lawful way, to oppose, resist, and if pos- 
sible, defeat the designs of our enemies to enslave us. And we 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 69 

arc of opinion, that the safest and most effectual method to 
obtain a repeal of those acts, and to restore us to the enjoyment 
of our rights and privileges, will be an universal agreement of 
all the colonies, that all commercial connections with Great 
Britain and the West Indies be withheld. And as we are 
informed that a General Congress of all the colonies is proposed, 
we are of opinion that such a Congress would be very expedient, 
and that is the most probable method to cement the colonies 
together in a firm union, on which (under God) our only security 
depends. And when this Congress shall convene (which we 
hope will be as soon as possible) we shall be ready to adopt any 
measures which shall be thought by them to be the most effec- 
tual to obtain relief from the burdens of which we justly 
complain. 

Voted, That Col. Elizur Talcott, William Welles, Ebenezer 
Plummer, Isaac Mosely, Thomas Kimberley, Josiah Hale, and 
Capt. Elisha Hollister, be a committee of correspondence, to 
receive and answer all letters, and to promote and forward such 
contributions as shall be made in this town, for the relief of our 
distressed friends in Boston, and that they transmit a copy of the 
proceedings of this meeting to the committee of correspondence 
at Boston, as soon as possible. 
A true copy. Test, 

WiLLiAJi Welles, Clerk. 



At a meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Lebanon, 
legally warned and holden the 18th of July, A. D. 1774, on 
account of the most alarming and dangerous situation of American 
liberties, occasioned by the all-grasping claim of the Parliament 
of Great Britain to tax the colonies, and bind them by their acts 
in all cases whatsoever ; and to consider what we ought to do for 
the relief of Boston, suffering the bitter effects of those claims, 
first carrying into dreadful execution on them by several late 
acts, &c. 

Present about three hundred respectable freeholders. 

At the desire of the selectmen, a discourse well adapted to the 
important occasion, was previously delivered by the Rev. Dr. 
Williams, from Luke, chap, iii., verses 2, 3. 

Col. William Williams, Moderator. 
10 



70 KKVOLIJTIOIVAUY WAR, 1775. 

The town liaving t4Kn the matters aforesaid into their serious 
consideration, are of opinion — That the controversy now sub- 
sisting between the Parliament of Great Britain and tlie Enghsh 
American colonies, respecting the rights and liberties of the 
latter, is a matter and cause of the most important and interesting 
nature, that can aflcct our minds, next to our own everlasting 
welfare. We do therefore, 

In the First place, with humble gratitude and reverence, this 
day again acknowledge, recognize, and adore the marvellous 
loving kindness of the Lord our God, who inspired our ancestors 
with resolution and fortitude to forsake their native land, where 
they could not enjoy civil and religious liberty, to explore and 
settle a new world, and supported them through a painful and 
distressing variety of perils and hardships, too many to be 
recounted, and enabled them to accomplish a happy settlement 
in this now fruitful land, to plant his Gospel here, and in the 
course of his providence, granted them great and important 
liberties, civil and religious ; which, by his goodness, and the 
pious care of our fathers, are transmitted to us, their children. 
And we do also, with pious and affectionate gratitude, call up 
the dear remembrance of our excellent and renowned fore- 
fathers, who with incredible labor, obtained, and transmitted to 
us the precious rights and liberties we have enjoyed, and resolve 
to imitate their example and virtues ; and in humble confidence 
that our God will not yet forsake us, though our iniquities testify 
against us, yet trusting in his mercy, we believe it to be his com- 
mand, and our indispensable duty to him, to ourselves and pos- 
terity, to stand fast in the liberty wherewith he has made us free. 
We do therefore, 

2dly. Profess, testify, and declare it to be our firm and 
unshaken opinion and belief, that the claim of this and the other 
colonies to all the rights, immunities, and privileges of free and 
natural English subjects, born within the realm of England, being 
founded on compact, grants, stipulations, and charters from the 
rightful kings of England, by them and their successors recog- 
nized, and by us long enjoyed ; is a claim founded also in the 
laws and rights of nature, in the highest principles of justice and 
equity, and on the only foundation principles of legal govern- 
ment ; and is therefore a just, valid, and effectual claim, and that 
in which all that is valuable and dear to us in this world, is 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 71 

embraced and compi'chcnded ; and as such we will ever consider, 
and to the utmost of our power defend and support it. 

3dly. That the late act of Parliament for blocking up the port 
and harbor of Boston, thereby depriving them of the only means 
of their subsistence ; and the two more recent ones, essentially 
violating the charter rights of the Massachusetts Bay, and making 
material alterations in the mode and administration of govern- 
ment, and justice therein, is an axe laid to the root of the tree, 
and in direct opposition to, and utterly subversive of this and 
every claim and idea of liberty and property in English America. 

4tlily. That therefore the cause of Boston and the Massachu- 
setts Bay, is the common cause of all the English American 
colonies. 

5thly. That forasmuch as we assume not wisdom enough to 
prescribe ways and means to avoid the dreadful evils comprised 
in said acts, and the principles on which they are founded ; nor 
can they be averted but by the joint act and approbation of the 
whole ; we therefore ardently approve of, and rejoice in the 
proposal of a General Congress of commissioners from all the 
colonies ; from whose joint wisdom, integrity, and virtue, we 
have the strongest hopes a sure foundation will be laid for the 
restoration and security of the just and precious privileges of the 
millions of America ; and to their wisdom and prudence, we do 
for the present, so far as to us appertains, cheerfully refer the all 
important cause. And if they should think proper to come into 
a joint agreement to break off all commercial intercourse with 
Great Britain and the West Indies, except for the necessaries of 
life, (if such there be included in it) until American liberties are 
restored and placed on a solid basis ; we will most cheerfully 
acquiesce in, and inviolably adhere to such agreement, as a 
measure most likely (in our opinion) to effect that grand and im- 
portant design. 

6thly. In contradiction to the infamous slanders and lies 
spread by wicked and designing men, and which have prejudiced 
the mind of our king, that the people of the colonies are "factious 
and rebellious, aim at total independence," &c,, we declare it to 
be our steadfast design and fixed resolution to maintain our duty 
and loyalty to the king, and delight in a constitutional dependence 
on the crown of Great Britain ; and that nothing but a perse- 
vering design to deprive us of the freedom which we have 



72 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

earned, to which w^^e entitled by every principle of justice, 
for which \vc have soloinnly compacted with our king, which 
our God has given us to possess, and to which, by his favor, we 
are born, can ever render us willing to become thus independent. 

7thly. That in our opinion, Boston, the capital town of New 
England, is first made to suffer the almost unparalleled hardship 
and distress aforesaid, not so much on account of the destruction 
of East India tea in their harbor, as for their having been ever 
forward and resolute in defence of their, and the common rights 
of the colonies ; and we are the more grounded in this opinion, as 
it is most notorious that they used their utmost endeavors in a 
variety of ways, to accomplish the safe return of the aforesaid 
tea to the owners, and that all their endeavors for that purpose 
were effectually defeated by the power and authority of the late 
Governor Hutchinson, and the commissioners of the customs. 

Sthly. That forasmuch as this town is resolved to contend 
earnestly for liberty and property, and are not willing that either 
should be violated, even in the hands of our enemies, and as the 
aforesaid tea in the harbor of Boston, fell a just and necessary 
sacrifice in defence of both, it is the opinion of this town, that 
the proprietors of it, (base as they are in becoming the tools of 
oppression) ought to be indemnified therefor by the aforesaid 
Governor Hutchinson, and the commissioners of the customs, 
whose joint and successful eftbrts to prevent its return to them 
was the cause, without which it had never been destroyed. 

9thly. That all those persons of what class or denomination 
soever, who have lately paid servile adulation to the aforesaid 
Governor Hutchinson on his departure to Great Britain ; and in 
their addresses complimented him for his attachment to the 
interest of his country, the wisdom and faithfulness of his admin- 
istration, &c. ; have thereby counteracted the united voice and 
sense of their whole legislature, strengthened and increased the 
credit and influence of the said Governor with the King and 
Parliament of Great Britain, which we have reason to believe 
has been and will be exerted to injure and oppress his country, 
and have therefore forfeited the confidence of their countrymen, 
and ought to be treated by all with the utmost neglect and 
contempt. 

lOthly. That in the opinion of this town, it is of the utmost 
importance that the town of Boston, and province aforesaid, 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 73 

should be encouraged and enabled to hold out against, and 
steadfastly resist this most violent attack upon our common 
liberties, until redress can be obtained ; and therefore, that it is 
the duty of every inhabitant of this town to contribute according 
to his circumstances and ability, to the relief of those poor and 
distressed inhabitants of said Boston, who are least able to sup- 
port their families, while all means of acquiring subsistence are 
taken away, and business stagnated by the cruel act for blocking 
up their harbor; and that subscriptions be opened for that purpose, 
and that the selectmen be a committee to receive the charitable 
donations of such as are disposed to contribute to the relief of 
those of our brethren in Boston, suffering as aforesaid ; and the 
same in the most prudent way remit to the selectmen of said 
Boston, or to the overseers of the poor therein, to be improved 
accordingly. 

llthly. That Col. William Williams, Mr. Jonathan Trumbull, 
Jr., Joshua West, Esq., Benjamin Bill, Esq., John Clark, Esq., 
and Mr. Pelatiah Marsh, be a committee to maintain a corres- 
pondence with the towns in this, and the neighboring colonies, 
as occasion shall require, on the interesting and important mat- 
ters respecting the liberties of our country. 

The foregoing draft of resolutions being repeatedly read, and 
maturely considered, were passed as the opinion, act, and 
resolves of said town without one dissentient voice, and ordered 
to be entered on the records of this town, and inserted in the 
New London Gazette. 

Attest, Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., Clerk. 



At a meeting of delegates of the towns in the counties of 
New London and Windham, convened at Norwich, the 8th day 
of September, 1774, to consult for their common safety, &c. 
Hon. Gurdon Saltonstall, Chairman ; Col. Wm. Williams, Clerk. 
This convention, taking into their serious consideration, the 
present state of this country, in that we are threatened with the 
loss of our liberties and constitutional rights, &c. And when we 
view its state, as to arms, military knowledge, proper stores, and 
the attention of this people to their just defence, whenever it 
shall so happen that any common enemy shall rise against us, 
and attempt our subjection by force of arms, we cannot but be 



74 REVOI.UTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

animated to address ^rselves to all whose business it is to 
attend upon military affairs. 

And in the First place, we do seriously recommend to the select- 
men of every town, within the counties of New liondon and 
Windham, that as speedily as possible, they supply their town 
stock with a full complement of ammunition and military stores, 
as by law is required. 

2dly. We recommend earnestly to every particular troop and 
military company within said two counties, both officers and 
soldiers, and all others living within their several and respective 
hmits, who by \slw are required to provide and keep arms and 
ammunition, as speedily as possible to arm and equip them- 
selves, agreeable to the directions of the laws of this colony, 
(excepting where in arms it may be thought expedient to vary, 
that such variation be uniformly adopted.) 

3dly. We seriously recommend it to all such, as a matter of 
very great importance, that they, as expeditiously as may be, 
improve in, and learn the use and design of their arms, by artil- 
lery exercises or otherwise, that so they may answer the import- 
ant purpose of their instruction, when occasion shall require, and 
become fitted to attend their colonel, and other field officers, 
when by them called to regimental reviews. 

And, as every great and special advantage must arise from 
regimental reviews and exercises in the militia of this colony, 
at least as often as once in four years, as the law requires, and 
the same having been omitted and neglected, we now earnestly 
recommend to every colonel and other the field officers of each 
regiment within the two counties, that on some proper day or 
days, the present autumn, they call together their several and 
respective regiments, or such parts of them as shall be conven- 
ient, at some suitable and appointed places for the purposes 
above mentioned. And would also further recommend to the 
colonel or chief officer of each regiment in said two counties, 
that they forthwith issue their orders to the captains of the 
several companies in their respective regiments, that they and 
their companies immediately comply with the requisitions of 
the laws of this colony, both as to their equipment with arms 
and ammunition, &c., and a due attention to the cultivation of 
military skill and the art of war ; and that said chief officers 
exert themselves in every proper and legal way, in their import- 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 75 

ant department, for a general improvement in, and cultivation 
of tiie noble and important art of military skill and discipline. 
Voted and passed unanimously. 

Test, William Williams, Town Clerk. 



At a legal tow^n meeting, held in Coventry, August 15; con- 
tinued, by adjournment, September 15, 1774. Phineas Strong, 
Esq., Moderator. 

Justly alarmed from a consideration of the gloomy aspect 
which threatens the subversion of American liberty, from the late 
attempts of the British Parliament, to tax the Americans without 
their voice or consent ; the subsequent acts to carry their meas- 
ures into execution, relative to the towns of Boston and Chai'les- 
town, and the province of the Massachusetts Bay ; vacating an 
essential part of their charter right, and depriving them of the 
use of private property ; condemning them without a hearing or 
legal trial ; and by coercive measures, and military force, to dis- 
tress and dragoon into a compliance with the arbitrary will of 
the British ministry ; the establishment of arbitrary government, 
and the Popish religion in a neighboring province, contrary to 
the late Act of settlement for the limitations of the Crown in the 
Protestant line. Which measures, we are hereby of opinion are 
a manifest infringement upon natural right, and subversive of the 
constitution, as founded in compact, stipulation, and charter, 
and as ever peaceably enjoyed under the late auspicious reigns of 
his present Majesty's most glorious ancestors. - 

This meeting, apprehending that unity of sentiment and meas- 
ures, in every constitutional way, is the most probable method to 
obtain a redress of those grievances we feel, and to avert those we 
fear : Do cordially acquiesce in the general sentiment of a non- 
importation, non-exportation and non-consumption agreement, 
until our rights shall be restored ; highly approving of the well- 
concerted measures of a General Congress, in whose wisdom 
we will confide, and in whose determinations we will cheerfully 
acquiesce ; humbly imploring wisdom from above to direct them 
in their consultations and determinations for the general good ; 
gratefully acknowledging the favorable omens of Providence, in 
that happy unity, propitious plenty, sympathetic charity, noble 
fortitude, and manly resistance of despotism, universal through- 



76 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

out America. We 10^ leave to recommend mutual prudence 
and caution, whilst we are opposing, to the utmost of our power, 
the execution of arbitrary laws and tyrannical government. — 
That it is our duty, and we will religiously observe and carefully 
adhere to the good and wholesome laws of our own land ; afford 
our aid and assistance to the magistrates thereof, and, to the ut- 
most of our power, maintain and preserve order and government 
amongst ourselves. Whilst we view with grief and detestation 
those unnatural enemies of our constitution, from amongst our- 
selves ; those vile anathemas, who from motives selfish or servile, 
to court arbitrary promotion, or servilely to cringe to despotic 
sway, are affording their aid and assistance to, and co-operating 
with, the ministerial tools of arbitrary power ; are unworthy of 
that friendship and esteem which constitutes the bond of social 
happiness, and ought to be treated with contempt, and a total 
neglect ; whilst we applaud the fortitude of our suffering breth- 
ren, and feel ourselves charitably inclined, and have appointed a 
committee to take in subscriptions for their relief. And judging 
it expedient, and being desirous of keeping up a mutual corres- 
pondence with the towns of this and the neighboring govern- 
ments, — do appoint Ephraim Root, Esq., Capt. Ebenezer Kings- 
bury, Doct. John Crocker, Capt. Elias Buell, and Mr. William 
Wilson, a committee of correspondence, for the purpose afore- 
said. 

The foregoing is a true copy of record, passed unanimously, 
and ordered to be entered on the records of the town, and in- 
serted in the New^ London Gazette. 
Attest, 

Noah Pouter, Clerk. 



At a meeting of delegates from the towns in the counties of 
Hartford, New London, and Windham, and part of the county 
of Litchfield, held at Hartford, on the 15th of September, 1774. 
William Wolcott, Esq., Chairman ; and Capt. Samuel Wyllys, 
Clerk. 

This meeting, taking into their serious consideration the abso- 
lute necessity of a non-consumption agreement, being entered 
into by the consumers, in order to support, and render perma- 
nent, such non-importation agreement as shall be recommended 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 77 

by the General Congress of delegates from all the free British 
colonies in America, now convened at Philadelphia; and also, 
that their opinion and resolution thereon hath not been yet fully 
made known to the delegates from this colony in said Congress : 

Do Declare and Resolve, That in case the said General Con- 
gress shall recommend a non-importation of British goods onl}^ 
or of British and West India goods, we will enter into a solemn 
contract and agreement, not to purchase or consume any article 
that shall be prohibited by such non-importation agreement, and 
to use our utmost endeavors to render the same general and effec- 
tual ; and do hereby make known, that we have in general been 
assured by the towns we represent, that they will readily accede 
to, adopt, and religiously observe such non-consumption agree- 
ment as aforesaid. And whereas this meeting is informed, that 
great quantities of English and India goods are ordered by sun- 
dry sordid and avaricious men in our neighboring colonies, to be 
purchased in England, and imported this fall, to give them an 
unreasonable advantage, and prevent the salutary effects of a 
non-importation agreement : 

Resolved, That such mercenary wretches, whose avarice can 
seek for gratification in the distress and ruin of their country, 
are wholly unworthy of our confidence, friendship, or support ; 
and that our non-consumption agreement may be useful to any 
good purpose, we will not purchase any merchandise of them, 
or transact any business for them, or suffer them to transact any 
for us, but will wholly withdraw from them, and leave them to the 
consolation of possessing, and contemplating the curious monu- 
ments of British industry, and American slavery, which they 
would so greedily amass to themselves, for such sordid, wicked 
purposes ; and shall consider in the same light, and treat in the 
same manner, every person that shall purchase any such goods of 
them, or do business for them, or emj^loy them in their business. 

Resolved, That the committees of correspondence for the 
several towns we represent, be desired to make diligent enquiry 
after the persons who have ordered goods as aforesaid, and 
inform the next county and colony meeting, of what they may 
discover, that their names may be published, their conduct 
exposed, and their persons avoided. 

Resolved, That if any merchant, or traders in the towns afore- 
said, shall attempt to engross any great or unusual quantity of 
11 



78 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

goods, with design to forestall and elude a non-Importation 
agreement, we will find ways and means, without violating his 
private rights, to defeat his views, and make him sensible that 
virtue and public spirit will be more for his interest than low 
selfishness and avarice can be. These measures, dictated by- 
necessity, we enter upon for the preservation of our liberties 
which we have received from our Creator, and may not resign, 
or suffer to be ravished from us ; at the same time, it is the 
warmest wish of our hearts, that the wisdom and equity of the 
British Parliament may relieve us from our fears and dangers, 
and that we may once more and forever, look up to our parent 
country with confidence and pleasure, and secure our own rights, 
contribute all in our power to promote the honor, interest, and 
happiness of our elder brethren in Great Britain. And, 

Whereas we cannot yet be advised what measures the General 
Congress will recommend, and therefore are at present unable 
to adjust the particulars of a non-consumption agreement, we 
think it may be of use to the merchants and traders in the afore- 
said towns, to be made acquainted with our resolutions afore- 
said, and that we determine in proper time to carry them into 
execution. 

Resolved, That the thanks of this meeting be given to the 
committee of correspondence, for the town of Hartford, for 
their care and attention to the interest of the public in calling 
this meeting ; and that they be desired to call a colony meeting 
at a suitable time and place, to finish the business now begun 
and entered upon, taking the advice of the committees of corres- 
pondence for the towns of Windsor, Wethersfield, and Middle- 
town therein. 



The inhabitants of many towns in the colony, viz. : — Plainfield, 
East Haddam, Enfield, Bolton, Stonington, Colchester, Iladdam, 
Ashford, Tolland, Coventry, and others, held similar meetings, 
and passed patriotic resolves in favor of sustaining Massachu- 
setts, in her oppressed situation by the crown. 



REVOF.UTIONARY WAR, 177G. 79 



CONNECTICUT, AND THE CAMPAIGN OF 1770. 

The campaign of 177G, was one of the most interesting periods 
of the revolutionary war. It commenced under the most pros- 
perous and favorable circumstances to the American cause, and 
was full of extraordinary and exciting incidents. The success- 
ful resistance made to the arms of Great Britain in 1775; the 
high reputation which the Bunker Hill battle had given to the 
American militia, and the final expulsion of the British from 
Boston, had raised the highest expectations of success among 
the American people — who had gained from the past more 
confidence than wisdom, and had vainly thought the contest 
nearly at an end, when it was scarcely begun. The British, 
on the other hand, had profited by the experience of the last, 
and were making the most extensive and thorough preparations 
for the ensuing campaign. At this critical juncture of the war 
of the revolution, no colony was more deeply interested in the 
result than Connecticut, and none better prepared for the emer- 
gency. The people of this colony had for more than a century, 
enjoyed one of the most beneficent colonial governments that 
ever fell to the lot of the subjects of a monarchical government. 
They had literally governed themselves, although nominally sub- 
ject to the crown of Great Britain. Notwithstanding their extra- 
ordinary privileges, no colony stepped forth with more alacrity 
to the aid of the oppressed people of Massachusetts than Con- 
necticut ; and none exhibited more sympathy or poured forth 
their blood and treasure more freely in the onset. In the cam- 
paign of 1775, she sent forth her thousands to the aid of Mas- 
sachusetts ; and not only this, but she was the first to commence 
offensive operations against Great Britain. Her citizens, unaided 
by any other colony, had conquered the forts on Lake Cham- 
plain, captured the garrisons, and secured the prisoners and 
munitions of war in Connecticut. She had also been the first 
to rally in sustaining the cause of the revolution in the commer- 
cial city of New York, where she had sent her militia under 
Gen. Wooster, in the summer of 1775. Again in the autumn 



80 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177r>- 

of the same year, h(^citizens had destroyed one of tlie most 
oifensive royal presses in tlie colonics ; and finally, by the advice 
of Gen. Washington, Connecticut had raised a tbrce, which, 
commanded by Gen. Lee, had wrested New York from the 
royal authority early in 1776. The last movement was not 
graciously received by the committee of safety of New York, 
who exercised the powers of government during the recess of 
the Provincial Congress of New York. The Connecticut forces 
were met on the frontier by the committee of safety, who 
earnestly entreated Gen. Lee, and his little army, to pause on 
the borders of Connecticut ; but the heroic Connecticut forces 
were not dissuaded from their patriotic enterprise by the timid 
and vacillating policy of the New York committee, but marched 
into the city, and for the first time planted the standard of 
liberty, independence, and resistance to British oppression in that 
city, which has since become the commercial emporium of this 
great republic. It is an historical fact, that there was not suili- 
cient patriotism or energy in the city of New York, in 177G, 
although having the glorious example of Boston before them, to 
acheive their own independence, and establish a government of 
their own choice ; but for their first emancipation from the 
thraldom of the British government, the citizens of New York 
were indebted to the generous sympathy of the hardy yeomen 
of Connecticut. The patriotic band from Connecticut maintained 
their position in New York until the arrival of the American 
army, under Washington, in the beginning of April, '70. The 
design of the British during this campaign, proved to be, the 
possession of New York. A part of their fleet, from Halifax, 
arrived off Sandy Hook, on the 23d of June ; the remainder 
followed within a week, and Gen. Howe established his head 
quarters at Staten Island. 

On the 8th of August, Gen.- Washington states that for the 
several posts on New York, I^ong Island, Governor's Island, and 
Paulus Hook, he had but 13,557 cfiective n)en. His nominal 
force was somewhat larger. 

Opposed to him was the entire British force, concentrated at 
Sandy Hook, consisting, by the middle of August, of more than 
24,000 men, combined with a fleet of more than 130 vessels. 
Subsequently, the American army was augmented by fourteen 
regiments of" militia, from (.Connecticut, comprising from nine 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 81 

to ten thousand men, some three thousand mihtia from the 
State of New York, and tw^ thousand from the south ; so that 
the whole force under Gen, Washington, at the commencement 
of operations on Long Island, on the 22d of August, was more 
than 25,000 men. This was the largest body of American 
troops ever collected at one point during the revolution ; and the 
British force was proportionately large. The fourteen regiments 
of militia sent to New York city, together with the Connecticut 
quota in the regular army, constituted at least one-third of Gen. 
Washington's army in the neighborhood of New York, at the 
commencement of operations on Long Island. Shortly after, 
nine out of the eleven regiments left in Connecticut, were sent 
to the relief of Suffolk county, L. I., so that, as Connecticut had 
at that period but twenty-five regiments, all of them but two, 
were summoned to the aid of New York at one time, and that 
in the most busy season of the year. After the defeat on Long 
Island, the evacuation of New York, and the retreat of Wash- 
ington acx'oss the Hudson, the Connecticut militia having dis- 
banded, and gone home, for the defence of the State, there was 
only a force of 4,000 men left under Gen. Lee, at White Plains, 
which force was speedily withdrawn, although composed princi- 
pally of Connecticut men, so that the State was left to rely on its 
own resources, and in a measure defenceless. This was one of 
the most gloomy periods of the war of independence. The 
situation of Connecticut was critical in the extreme. Two 
British armies occupied strong positions on her right and left ; 
Long Island Sound was covered with a large British fleet ; and 
the British force in New York and Newport, was scarcely 
inferior in number to the whole militia of the State. 

The militia had been harassed by repeated calls of duty, and 
had suffered greatly in the defence of New York, by privation 
and sickness,-^so that had the British invaded Connecticut at this 
time, the militia would have been ill-qualified to have resisted 
them with success. In addition to other evils, the harvest of the 
past season, had been scanty, and gathered with great difficulty 
from the want of laborers ; the women became familiar with the 
use of the plough, hoe, axe, and sickle ; and but a small supply of 
seed had been put into the ground for the coming season. But, 
notwithstanding these numerous and appalling difficulties, neither 
Athens, when she was beset by the legions of Xerxes, nor Rome, 



82 REVOI.UTIONARV WAR, 177C. 

when she had lost thc^fattlc of Cannx ,cxhil)itc(l a more indomi- 
table spirit of firmness than the {Temple and government of Con- 
necticut at the close of the autumn of 1770. The high character 
for bravery which the people of Connecticut had acquired in the 
various contests in the beginning of the revolution — the great • 
unanimity which prevailed among them — their patriotic devotion 
to the cause of independence — together with the unconquerable 
spirit of resistance which had so signally displayed itself in the 
heroic bravery of Knovvlton, and the ever-memorable martyr- 
dom of the gallant Hale — all had their influence to protect the 
people of Connecticut from the incursions of the enemy, and 
preserve them from the danger then so apparently formidable and 
threatening. 

In going over the events of the campaign of 1776, which re- 
late to Connecticut, it may be well, in this place, to give a brief 
account of one, whose lamentable fate ought to be preserved in 
the memory of every American.* Nathan Hale was a son of 
Connecticut, born in South Coventry, on the 6th of June, 1755. 

* The following is a genuine specimen of tory benevolence, and may be 
depended upon as real matter of fact. 

Newburyport, February 13, 1777. 

Samuel Hale, late of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, after his elopement from 
thence, visited an uncle in Connecticut, where he was hospitably entertained. 
But as his uncle was a Whig, and had a sori, a young gentleman of a liberal 
education and most amiable disposition, who strongly felt for his bleeding 
country, and being very active in the military way, was urged and prevailed'on 
to take a commission in the continental army ; consequently Samuel was 
obliged to conduct with caution, and counterfeit as well as he could, a whigish 
phiz while he tarried, which however, was but for a short time, before ho made 
his escape to Gen. Howe, in New York. 

Some time after tliis, Capt. Hale, at the request of the General, (Washington) 
went into New York in disguise, and having nearly accomplished his designs, 
whom should he meet, but his aforesaid cousin Samuel, whom he attempted to 
shun, but Sam knew him too well. Capt. Hale soon found he was advertised, 
and so particularly described that he could not get through Long Island. He 
therefore attempted to escape by the way of King's Bridge, and so far succeeded 
as to get to the outer guard, where he was suspected, apprehended, carried back 
and tried, and yet would have been acquitted, had not his affectionate and 
grateful cousin Samuel, appeared and made oath that he was a captain in the 
continental army, and that he was a spy; in consequence of which, he was 
immediately hung up. However, at the gallows, he made a sensible and 
spirited speech ; among other things, told them they were shedding the blood of 
the innocent, and that if he had ten thousand lives, he would lay them all down, 
if called to it, in defence of his injured, bleeding country. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 83 

Gifted with a high order of intellect, he was a scholar from choice 
— and parental assistance encouraged his youthtul efforts. He 
graduated at Yale College in the year 1773, with the highest 
reputation as a scholar, a man of truth, and a lover of humanity. 
Before reaching the early age of twenty-one, the battle of Lex- 
ington prompted him to obey the watch-word of liberty which 

NoTK. — 1776- Maj. John Bigelow, with a fine company of matross, started 
from Hartford for Quebec, on the 2d of April, 1776. 

There were in New York over 10,000 continental troops, besides those of the 
New York province, April 8th, 1776. 

Congress resolved that all ships and other vessels, and all goods, wares, and 
merchandise, owned by any inhabitants of Great Britain, taken on the high 
seas, or between high or low water mark, should be judged a lawful prize. 

On the 27th day of March, 1776, the committee of inspection of fifteen towns 
in Hartford county, duly warned, met at the state house, in Hartford, to take 
into consideration the alarming prices of West India goods, and to regulate 
prices in the country — which tJiey did on West India rum, New England rum, 
molasses, sugars, coffee, and salt. And as indirect means had in some cases 
been used, upon committees of inspection, to obtain India tea, under a pretence 
for the sick, by applying to committees of other towns for permission to pur- 
chase it. The board resolved that no license to purchase tea except for the 
sick, should be granted, and then only when the person applying, and the sick 
person needing it, resided in the town where such application siiould be made — 
with the name of the person applying, the exact quantity wanted, and the name 
of the sick person entered in the permit, and the permit left with the seller to 
whom directed— and the tea to be sold at the rate of 4s. and 6d. per pound. — 
[Connecticut Courant.] y 

April 15, 1776. So violent were the whigs against the tories in this State 
during the war, that the tories were published in capitals, in the Connecticut 
Courant, on the first page of the paper, in the following manner : Pe.rso7is held 
up to Public Vieiv as Enemies to the Country — Jonathan Hill, Alford, Massa- 
chusetts Bay ; Stephen Sears, Sharon, Ct. ; Lieut. Ebenezer Orvis, Farmington, 
Ct. ; David Vaughn, Jericho, Massachusetts Bay. — Note. Stephen Sears made 
his confession befoi"e the committee of inspection of Sharon, which was accept- -A 

ed 30th of April, '76. ^'• 

May 20th 1776. Capt. David Hawley sailed from Stratford on the 17th of 
March, 1776: on the 21st day of March he was taken by the Bellona of 6 
guns and 8 swivels ; the British crews sprang on board eager for plunder, 
damned Capt. Hawley, his crew, and country ; he with his men were taken and 
put on board the Bellona — about 10 at night they joined the Rose, Glasgow, 
and Swan, men-of-war ; he with his crew were put on board the Rose, and the 
next day sailed into Newport. Liberty was given him to get his clothes from 
his own sloop, he found his chest broken, and all his clothes stolen. They 
otfered Capt. Hawley 5s. sterling per day, a good cabin for his use, and to pay 
for his vessel after the war closed, his choice of a plantation in any part of tl>c 



84 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 

called him to the harelips of war, and he accepted the commis- 
sion of a captiiin, under Col. Knowlton, of Ashford. He was 
soon called to encounter the dangers of war, and was actively 
engaged in the disastrous campaign for the defence of New 
York. Here he conceived the bold project of capturing a sloop 
of the enemy, containing supplies ; success crowned his etibrts, 



continent, if he would act as their pilot, which he refused ; in consequence of 
which, he was parted from his men on board the Glasgow, without even the 
privilege of writing to his mate. The Glasgow on the 5th of April, sailed from 
Newport, and after a severe action at sea, arrived in Halifax in eleven days, 
where Capt. Hawley remained two weeks ; but on the 7th of May, he with eight 
others, escaped in a small boat and went to Old York. [Conn. Courant.] 

Extract of a letter published in the Connecticut Courant, May 20th, 1776. 

" A gang of tories have been discovered in the neighborhood of Fairfield, 
taken and imprisoned. These and others undoubtedly corresponded with the 
enemies of America ; and a line of intelligence from hence to Quebec has been 
kept up, whereby every movement of ours has been made known to our enemies. 
And by these miscreants, the British prisoners are assisted to escape. If these 
internal enemies are sutFered to proceed in their hellish schemes, our ruin is 
certain ; but if they are destroyed, the power of Hell and Britain will never 
prevail against us. Rouse then, my countrymen, search out the nest of these 
vultures, and bring them to the punishment they merit." 

On the 30th of May, 1776, Capt. Nilcs, in the Spy, privateer, on a cruise 
between Montauk Point and Block Island, was chased into New London, by the 
Cerberus frigate : she followed the Spy in as far as the race and left her ; the 
Spy lost her top-mast. Capt. Jones in a privateer, Capt. Brooks in a Now 
Haven privateer, who sailed from New London with Capt. Niles, put into 
Newport. 

News arrived at New London, June 7th, 1776, that the French Court had 
taken off the prohibition on the exportation of gun powder from France, and 
that large quantities of it arrived daily in the West Indies — which caused great 
joy in the States. 

By a letter dated Boston, June 13lh, 1776, the writer states that on Friday 
last, the frigate Milford, of 28 guns, came up with the Ya«k«e Hero, privateer, 
Capt. Tracy, of Newburyport, otT Cape Ann, and had an engagement of near 
two hours ; when the Yankee Hero, struck to the frigate, being vastl}'^ superior 
in force. Capt. Tracy was wounded in his leg ; Lieut. Main badly wounded ; 
Rowe, of Cape Ann, lost an arm ; four were killed, and fourteen wounded. 

June 24lh. Thirty-three and a quarter tons of salt potre manufactured in 

Connecticut previous to the 4th of June, had been received in store for the 

colony, to supply the powder mills, two of which mills were in full operation, 
and the third nearly completed. 

By a letter dated Boston, June 19tli, 1776, from Capt. Seth Harding, of the 
brig Defence, in the Connecticut service, to Gov. Trunjbull, it is Btaled thfvt he 



RICVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 85 

and the heroic character which he gained in the army, for this 
daring enterprise, probably cost him his hfe. 

After the fatal action of the 27th of August, and the subsequent 
retreat of the Americans from New York, Gen. Washington, 
desirous of obtaining information with regard to the strength, 
position, and probable movements of the enemy, determined, with 

sailed last Sunday from Plymouth, that he soon heard firing at the northward ; 
and in the evening he fell in with four armed schooners, near the entrance of 
Boston harbor ; he there learned, that the schooners had been engaged with an 
English ship and brig, and were obliged to quit the action — that the Defence 
soon after went into Nantucket road, where he found a ship and brig at anchor ; 
and the Defence fell in between them and cast anchor, about 11 o'clock, P. M. 
He then hailed the ship, and received the answer — from Great Britain. Capt. 
Harding ordered her to strike her colors, to America. They answered, by 
asking, what brig is that? he told him the brig Defence. Then Capt. Harding 
again hailed him, and informed him he disliked to kill his men, but that he 
would have the ship at all events, and again ordered her to strike her colors. 
When the Ma\or replied yes, PU strike, and then fired a broad side at the 
Defence, which was immediately returned, and the engagement lasted three 
hours, when the ship and brig both struck to the Defence. The Defence lost 
no men, and had but nine wounded ; the enemy had eighteen killed, and several 
wounded. 

Capt. Harding took from the two vessels, 210 prisoners, among whom was 
Col. Campbell, of Gen. Frazer's regiment of Highlanders. The Mafor was 
killed in the battle. 

Capt. Harding also stated, that on the luth of June, a ship was seen in Boston 
Bay, and came towards the entrance of the harbor — that Capt. Plarding hoisted 
sails, with four schooners in company, and took the ship without an engagement, 
with 112 Highlanders on board. He stated his brig was much damaged in her 
sails and rigging. 

In June, 1776, there was a meeting of the inn keepers, on the East side of 
Connecticut river, in Hartford county, when they unanimously resolved to pur- 
chase no rum by the hogshead or barrel at the exorbitant price it was then 
selling, for four months. And further agreed to sell all liquors at their houses, 
at their usual prices, for the time. Said meeting was then adjourned until 
October, and all inn holders and retailers of liquors, were requested to take such 
measures as would prevent monopolies for the good of the country. 

June 29, 1776. The committee to superintend prisoners stationed in this 
colony, resolved that no prisoner under the committee should be absent from 
their lodgings after dark, on pain of imprisonment. And that all prisoners of 
war in the colony (except officers) should be permitted to work at their trades 
for wages, who wore able, and such as would not work as aforesaid, should be 
confined, and subsist upon the billeting allowed by Congress. 

New York, July 4lh, 1776. Last Wednesday, passed through New York, 
Gov. Franklin, of New Jorscj', on his way to Gov. Trumbull, at Lebanon ; Gov. 
Franklin is a noted tory uiid ministerial tool, and exceedingly busy in perplexing 

12 



86 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 

the consent of a coutlRl of war, to send an officer of adequate 
talents and courage intp the British camp, to examine their force, 
and discover their designs. This proposition was submitted by 
Gen. Washington to the young officers of the army, but not a 
single individual was found willing to undertake the hazardous 
enterprise, except Hale. Washington gave the parting blessing 

the cause of liberty. His principles, connexions, abilities, and address, have 
rendered him a dangerous enemy in New Jersey ; he therefore is removed under 
a strong guard to Connecticut, He is the son of Dr. Benjamin Franklin, the 
genius of the day, and the great patron, of American liberty. 

On Friday last, forty-nine dirty tory prisoners, taken at Johnstown, N. Y., 
were brought under guard from Albany to Hartford, and others were on their 
way. 

The several regiments of foot which were ordered to be raised in this colony, 
with three regiments of the troop of light horse marched for New York, to 
defend the invaded province. 

It was reported that it was proposed, after three months, that all copper coin 
made of base metal or light in weight, should be suppressed, and the remainder 
to pass at the rate of 15 for an 8th of a dollar ; and if not then a supply for use, 
in such case, all were to be called in and a new issue made, of continental 
copper coin of a large size, 12 of which should be passed for the 8th of a dollar, 
and no other coppers to pass. 

July 8lh, 1776. Last week twenty-two prisoners were taken on board a 
barge of the British fleet, as they were sounding a channel below New York, 
and arrived at Farinington, in this State. 

The committee for prisoners, resolved that no prisoner on parole, should go 
out of the parish where he was stationed, except by a written permit, on pain 
of imprisonment. And that it would be unsafe to employ prisoners to make 
fire arms, gun powder, cast cannon, cannon balls, or erect fortifications ; it Was 
also recommended to all the towns in the colony, where prisoners were stationed, 
to have a watch to guard the avenues into and out of towns, to be set by 9 
o'clock, P. M., to preserve peace and prevent intelligence prejudicial to the 
liberties of America. — [Connecticut Courant ] 

Hartford, July 15, 1776. Last week about one hundred and fifty tories in the 
Nine Partners, N. Y., rose in a body, fell upon the sons of liberty, disarmed tliem, 
and took possession of their committee chamber, but were quelled by a party 
from the west part of Connecticut of about three hundred ; and twenty of them 
taken prisoners. 

Governor Trumbull issued a proclamation for all persons excused by law 
from military duty, householders, to form themselves into companies, to keep 1 
up the spirit of the times, &c. 

After which East Windsor, Saybrook, and various other towns, formed thera- I 
selves into companies, appointed their officers, Szc. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 87 

and instructions to the heroic youth in person. In obedience to 
his directions, Hale passed over to Long Jsland, and fulfilled the 
object of his mission by obtaining the desired information. On 
his return he was recognized and betrayed 'by a relative. He 
was immediately arrested and brought before Sir William Howe, 
who, without even the formalities of a trial, ordered him to be 



The following General Orders, dated Chamblee, Au^st 7, 1776, were sent 
to Gov. Trumbull by express from Ticonderoga : 

"ss." General Orders. Parole, St. Jerome. Countersign, Paris. 

" His Excellency Gen. Carlton, orders the commanding officers of corps, to 
take special care, that every one under their command should be informed that 
letters or messages from rebel traitors in arms against tlieir king, rioters, dis- 
turbers of the public peace, plunderers, robbers, assassins or murderers, are on 
no occasion to be admitted. That should emissaries from such lawless men 
again presume to approach the army, whether under the name of a flag of truce 
men, or embassadors, except when they come to implore the king''s mercy, their 
persons shall be immediately seized and committed to close confinement, in 
order to be proceeded against as the law directs ; their papers and letters for 
whomsoever, even those for tiie commander-in-chief, are to be delivered to the 
provost marshal, that unread and unopened, they may be burned by the handd 
of the common hangman. At the same time, the commander-in-chief expects 
that neither the assassination of Brigadier General Gordon, nor the late notori- 
ous breach of faith, in resolving not to return the troops, and Canadians taken 
at St. John's in exchange for those rebels who fell into the hands of savages 
at the Cedars, and Quinchin purchased from them at a great price, and restored 
to their country, on those express conditions, be not. imputed to the provincials 
at large, but to a few wicked and designing men, who first deceived them step 
by step, misled the credulous multitude to the brink of ruin, afterwards usurped 
authority over them, established a despotic tyranny not to be borne, and now 
wantonly and foolishly endeavor to provoke the spilling the blood of our 
unhappy countrymen, of this continent, in hopes of covering their own guilt, or 
confirming their tyranny by the general destruction of their country. Let their 
crimes pursue these faithless, bloody-minded men, who assert that white is 
black, and black white ; it belongs to Britons to distinguish themselves, not 
less by their humanity than their valor ; it belongs to the king's troops to save 
the blood of his deluded subjects, whose greatest fault perhaps is in having been 
deceived by such men to their own destruction ; it belongs to the crown, it is 
the duty of all faithful servants of the crown, to preserve from oppression, and 
restore to liberty, the once happy, free and loyal people of this continent. 

" All prisoners from the rebellious provinces that choose to return home, are 
to hold themselves in readiness to embark at a short notice. The commissary, 
Wm. Murray, shall visit the transports destined for them, and see that whole- 
some provisions, necessary clothing, with all possible convenience for their pas- 
sage, be prepared for the unfortunate men. They are to look on their respec- 
tive provinces as their prison, and there to remain until further enlarged, or 
summoned to appear before the commander-in-chief of this province, or any 
other coramander-in-chief, for his majesty for the time bein^, which summons 



88 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 

executod on the gibbcffis a spy ; which inhuman order was car- 
ried into effect at an early hour the next morning, in an ignomin- 
ious manner, by the hands of a refugee. 

This cruel execution, or rather assassination, has generally been 
supposed to have taken place on Long Island, but it has lately 
been ascertained from undoubted authority, that the scene of 
Hale's last sufferings was in New York city. 

shall be obeyed. Gen. Howe will regulate the place of their landing. N. B. If 
he is allowed the liberty. Ticonderoga, August 12." 

The above is Gen. Carleton's orders at Ciiamblee, which was sent us by Maj. 
Bigelow, who went with a flag, and was detained 24 days. 

Brig. Gen. Gordon was killed within about 60 rods of the enemy's camp. 

August 12, 1776. Last week from twenty to thirty torics arrived in Hart- 
ford from Albany, fifteen of them wcre'to be stationed at New London. 

A new ship-of-war, owned by this colony, was struck by lightning at Saybrook, 
and considerably damaged. 

By a letter from Mount Independence, (opposite Ticonderoga) to a gentleman 
in Salisbury, dated August 5, 1776, a list of the American fleet on the lake, is 
given as follows, viz. : — Royal Savage, Capt. Wyncoop, twelve carriage guns, 
nine 6 and 4 pounders, ten swivels, and 50 men ; Enterprize, Capt. Dixon, twelve 
carriage guns, nine 5 and 4 pounders, ten swivels, and fifty men ; Revenge, 
Capt. Laman, ten carriage guns, 4 and 2 pounders, ten swivels, and thirty-five 
men ; Liberty, Capt. Primer, ten carriage guns, 4 and 2 pounders, 8 swivels, 
and forty-five men ; four gondolas, Mansfield, Simmons, Sumner, and Ustins, 
captains, each gondola three guns, one 12 and two 9 pounders, 8 swivels, and 
forty-five men ; three row galleys on a new contruction, ready to launch ; and 
ten gondolas and more soon to be ready, with which he thought the Americans 
could hold the superiority on Lake Champlain. 

The whole standing militia of Connecticut, west of Connecticut river, with 
two regiments on the east side, have marched to join the grand American army, 
at New York, consisting of at least ten thousand men. — Connecticut Courant, 
August, 1776] 

1776. By a letter from Ticonderoga, dated August 10, 1776, to a gentleman in 
New Haven, it is stated that the American fleet of ten sail would go down the 
lake within a day or two on a cruise. Also, that Brig. Gen. Gordon was killed 
by a Lieut, of one of our reconnoitering parties between Chamblee and St. Johns. 

I New London, August 23, 1776. Last Lord's day the ship-of-war owned by 
f this State, built at Saybrook, commanded by Capt. Wm. Coit, came out of the 

river, being the largest vessel that had ever been over Saybrook bar, (piloted by 

James Harris.) 

Three vessels arrived in New London in one week, from New York, with 
tories collected in New York city, and on Long Island, who were sent into the 
country towns for safe keeping. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 89 

" Thus fell Nathan Hale, in the morning of life, and in the 
dawn of high promise of reputation and honor to himself, and of 
usefulness to his country. The manner and circumstances of 
his death must ever be abhorrent to the feelings of humanity. 
He was treated in the most unfeeling and indecent manner ; and 
every indulgence, — every mark of sympathy and respect was 
_ 

In consequence of tlie great number of prizes taken by us and carried into 
different ports at the eastward, Jamaica rum is only 4s, and 4d. per gallon, and 
sugar $'5 per hundred, in Boston. 

August 26, 1776, List week three ships and two tenders appeared off New 
London, and anchored off Fisher's Island. 

Last Saturday, a number of gentlemen tories were brought to New London, 
and were sent to Norwich. 

Last Monday, David Matthews, Mayor of the city of New York, was brought 
from Litchfield, and on Friday was returned to Litchfield, to remain under the 
care of Capt. Moses Seymour. 

All the women and children, with the sick and infirm, were removed out of 
New York, by the recommendation of Gen. Washington. — [Conn. Courant.] 

Sept. 4lh, 1776. By the advice of a council of war, the Thursday night 
previous to tlie above date, the whole of the American army on Long Island 
returned to New York, with their camp equipage, cannon, stores, &,c., and &o 
still were they in their movements, and secret in their designs, that it was not 
discovered by the enemy until the army and baggage were got over, and only 
three men in the battalion, the last, fell into their hands. Saturday and Sun- 
day our troops evacuated our fortifications on Governor's Island and Red Hook, 
and brought off their cannon, &c., under a heavy fire from the enemy on 
Long Island, when the Americans lost some men. 

In the batile of the 27th of August, Col. Huntington's regiment suffered 
much ; there were missing after the action, six captains, six lieutenants, twenty, 
one sergeants, two drummers, and one hundred and twenty-six rank and file. 

Sixty.four women arrived in one day at Milford, from Long Island. 

The post office of New York was removed to Dobb's Ferry, thirty miles up 
the North river. , 

The following is a list of the names of officers in Col. Huntington's regi- 
ment, who were prisoners with the enemy, who sent a flag of truce for tiieir 
baggage and money, viz. : — Lieut. Makepeace, Capt. Brewster, Ensign Lyman, 
Ensign Chapman, Ensign Hinsman, Ensign Bradford, Lieut. Orcott, Ensign 
Higgins, Capt. Bissell, Lieut. Gillett, Lieut. Gay, Adjutant Hopkins, Doctor 
Holmes, and Col. Clark. — [Connecticut Courant.] 

On the 16th of September, 1776, the following persons from Connecticut, 
were confined with others, in one room, at Halifax, among felons, theivcs, 
negroes, &c. : — Sergeants Levi Munson, of Wallingford, Zachariah Brinsniade, 



90 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 



denied him. He desilRl the attendance of a clergyman, — it was 
refused. But what was more inhuman, the letters which he 
had written to his mother and friends, were destroyed on the 
morning of his execution. This savage outrage on the feelings 
of humanity could only be equalled by the reason which was 
assigned for it ; which was, " that the rebels should not know 

of Woodbury; Corporals Cliarles Steward, of Stamford, Roger Moore, of Sails, 
bury, Samuel Lewis, Win. Gray, David Goss, and Adoriijah Maxum, of Sharon, 
Ebenezer Mack, and Levi Barnum, of Norfolk, and Flowers, of New Hartford. 
In the hospital — Amos Green, of Norwich, J. Mathews, of Goshen, and Wm. 
Drinkwater, of New Milford, 

All Col. Ethan Allen's men lived to return from England. 

Sept. 30, 1776. The following is an extract of a letter, dated Camp, Long 
Island, July 15, 177G, by Wm. Falconer, a Scotch oiRcer, to his brother in 
Scotland. 

" Dear Brother — With the greatest difBculty I have obtained this small piece 
of paper, to inform you I am very well, notwithstanding our miserable situa. 
tion. We have been encamped on this Island the month past, and lived upon 
nothing but salt pork and pease — we sleep upon the sea shore, nothing to 
shelter us from the violent rains, but our coats or miserable paltry blankets. 
Nothing grows on the Island, being a mere sand bank, with a few bushes 
which harbor a million of mus-quitoes, a greater plague than there can be in 
hell itself, &,c. &c." 

About the 5lh of October, 177G, arrived four transports at Elizabethtown, in 
New Jersey, from Quebec, with four hundred and twenty Americans, who had 
been prisoners in Canada. The officers from Connecticut, were, Maj. Return 
J. Meigs, Capt's. Samuel Lockwood, E. Oswald, O. Hanchett, A. Savage, B. 
Chatten. — [Connecticut Courant.] 

Monday, Oct. 7, 1776. On the 29th, a prize ship from Jamaica, bound to 
London, was sent into New London, by the armed brig Defence, Capt. Harding; 
she sailed from Montego Bay in company with two hundred sail under a 
convoy of two ships-of-war, which returned to port ; the cargo of the prize 
consisted of 306 hogsheads of sugar, 150 do. of rum, 16 bales of cotton, a quan. 
tity of coffee and mahogany, and 2 sea turtles — of about 300 tons, cilled the 
John, McDonald, master. 

On the 3d of October, Capt. Harding arrived in the Defence, from a cruise — 
the same morning ofi' Narragansctt beach, he fell in with two British frigates ; 
the frigates fired sixty or seventy shots at the Defence, and the Defence returned 
a like number — and the frigates came to anchor off Goshen reef, about five 
miles west of New London harbor. 

Two days after, Capt. Harding took the aforesaid prize ; he also took a 
Guinea.man, homeward bound, from the West Indies, Wm. Jackson, master. 

October, 1776. At the naval action on lake Champlain, on the 11th day of 
October, 1776, when the American fleet was defeated, and their fleet left in a 
shattered and ruined condition, by the superior force of the British, in &hips> 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 91 

that they had a man in their army who could die with so much 
firmness." It is difficult to conceive of a situation more awful, 
or of one that in a more eminent degree, was calculated to 
overcome the firmest mind. Among entire strangers, in the 
hands of his enemies, every face presenting the aspect of hostili- 
ty, and without a single friend to sympathize with, or console 

guns, and men ; though the action lasted five hours, within musket shot of 
each other, only one galley, sloop Entcrprize, two small schooners, and ono 
gondola, escaped ; the remainder of the fleet was taken and burnt. General 
Arnold fought in the galley Congress, as long as possible, then ran her ashore, 
burnt her, and escaped by land to Ticonderoga, with a loss of twenty men. 
Gau. Waterbury, in the Washington galley, fought until the galley was sinking 
under him, and was obliged to strike to the enemy. — [Connecticut Courant.] 
P. S. Generals Arnold and Waterbury, were ofEcers from Connecticut. 

The regiments from Connecticut who met the enemy near White Plains, in 
1776, wiiere Gen. Lee marched to attack them, were commanded by Colonel 
Chester, Col. Douglass, and Col. Silliman, when about one hundred and fifty 
men were killed and wounded, in an engagement of about one hour. 

On the 4th of November, 1776, the British had four ships cruising near 
Block Island, of 32, 28, 18 and 28 guns. 

On the third day of December, the inhabitants of New London were much 
alarmed by the appearance of eleven ships from the eastward, going into 
Long Island sound, most of which appeared to be men-of-war, and by thoir 
course for some time appeared bound to New London, but towards night 
anchored near Long Island shore ; the next morning they were joined by other 
ships-of-war and transports from New York, nearly one hundred in number . 
they sailed to, and anchored at Black Point, about eight miles west of New 
London harbor, where they remained on the 6lh. The appearance of so largo 
a fleet within one hours sail, threw the inhabitants into great consternation. 
The Governor gave orders for the whole of the militia in this State, east of 
Connecticut river, with three regiments from the west side, immediately to 
march to Black Point, but the fleet disappeared on Friday morning, and the 
orders were countermanded. On the 9lh of December, twenty. four sail of the 
British fleet were at anchor between Fairfield and Norwalk. 

Nov. 8th, 1776. A number of troops from Rhode Island, from the east end 
of Long Island, and from Connecticut, embarked at New Haven and landed at 
Shelocket, on Long Island, to bring off some lories, and the effects of a gentle, 
man friendly to America. Being interrupted by some tories who fired at them 
the crow killed ten and brought off twenty. three, two of whom were deserters 
from the American army. They lost one sergeant killed in the contest. About 
the same time, Samuel Glover, a noted offender, was taken on said Islanii, and 
commit-led to jail in New London. He had taken an ensign's commission in 
the service of the British, and some important papers were found in his pos- 
session. 

Friday, Nov. 15th, 1776. Last Friday was sent into the port of New Lon- 
don, by tiie Continental armed brig Cabot, Capt. E. liinman, a prize ship of 



92 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1770. 

him, in this hour of^|ial. and subjected to contumely and re- 
proach — having the oppi'obrious epithet of ' rebel' contmually be- 
stowed upon him, he had nothing but the consciousness of his 
moral innocence, and the justness of the cause in which he was 
engaged, to sustain him — and these were sulhcient. He met his 
fate with the most dignified composure and firmness. His last 



200 tons, bound from Jamaica to Scotland, laden with rum, sugar, «fcc. — 
[Green's Connecticut Gazette.] 

On the 18lh of September, 177G, several of the most respectable ladies in 
East Haddam, about thirty in number, met at J. Chapman's and husked in 
four or five hours about 240 bushels of corn. A noble example, so necessary 
in this bleeding country, while their fathers and brothers were fighting the 
battles of the nation.— [Green's Gazette.] 

Nov. 20th, 177(). A few days since, some of the men of one of the British 
tenders, landed at Stamford, on a point of land, and shot, and carried off two 
lat cattle.— [Green's Gazette,] 

On the 5lh day of December, 1776, an order was issued to John McKalli 
captain of the veteran guards in Norwich, that from appearances, the enemy 
designed an attack on New London — therefore ordered him forthwith to call 
out, marshal, equip, and march his company for the defence of New London, 
or any other place that might be attacked. And the company under the 
command of Col. E. V/olcott, commander of the fort at JNevv London. (On the 
back of which, are the names of tliose who enlisted in said company.) 

Dec. 12, 1776. Capt. Harding informed the Governor that Mr. Bartram 
was in poor health, and unable to go to sea, which he much regretted, as ho 
was a man of courage, and wished him kept under pay, for his former good 
services. 

Dec. 23, 1776. The British fleet at Black Point, hoisted sail on Friday 
morning, and about mid-day, wore in breast of New London harbor, and made 
a most formidable appearance. The inhabitants of New London were again 
alarmed for about half an hour; they had every appearance of being about to 
come in ; after which they stood out again, and at night anchored the south 
side of Fisher's Island. On Saturday Commodore Sir Peter Parker, who had 
the command of said fleet, proceeded to Rhode Island with the ships-of-vvar, 
and anchored above tho harbor of Newport, and on the Sabbath landed a body 
of troops, under Generals Clinton and Piercy, who took possession of Newport, 
with little or no resistance. The few American troops on the Island retreated 
to Bristol, though they left some pieces of artillery. The British troops wero 
supposed to be about 5,000 in number, many of them Hessians, some troops of 
horse, &c. They immediately began intrenchments at a place called Meeting 
House Hill, three miles from Bristol ferry. From the first appearance of the 
fleet, the militia of Rhode Island were in motion, and joined by a large body 
of troops from other States, and some companies of artillery. It was reported 
that the fleet and troops were escorted into Newport by a set of well known 
infamous torics, who had infested tho town. Two of the British frigates lay 



REVOLUTIOINARY WAR, 177G. 93 

words were, " that he only lamented that he had hut one life to 
lose for his country ^ 

" Capt. Hale possessed a fine genius, had received an excellent 
education, and disclosed high promise of future talents and useful- 
ness. He was open, generous, brave, and enthusiastic in the 
cause of liberty and his country, in which he had engaged, and 
for which he was destined to die an early nnartyr. The fate of 
Hale, it will be observecl, was in almost every respect, strikingly 
similar to that of Major Andre. As it respects character, quali- 

at Scconet passage, one near Bristol, and a fourth at the north end of Provi- 
dence Island. — [Connecticut Courant.] 

An Jljiccdote. — In 1776, when Col. ]\JcLellan acted as major, (as is related by 
one of his regiment,) and his regiment had arrived at their station, where they 
were to encamp, the major divided them into messes, while the colonel was to 
see the commissary, and find where to draw their rations. The commissary in- 
formed the colonel he had provisions, hut that at that time he could not furnish 
his regiment with provisions, as others might arrive in camp. The colonel inform- 
ed him, his regiment was entirely destitute of supplies, and he must furnish them 
to save them from starvation ; that his men were respectable at home, and thi-s 
their first experience in actual service, &:c. But the commissary still refused to 
furnish his men as requested. The colonel having been long detained, Maj. Mc- 
Lellan met him, and the colonel informed him of their hopeless predicament, 
v;ith a starving regiment, and yet provisions enough in the hands of the com- 
missary. The major at once replied, I will see them turned out ! and returned 
in haste to his regiment, and ordered the informant with nine others, each over 
six feet in height, to turn out, fix on tlieir bayonets and follow him — (his object 
unknown to his men) they obeyed and followed him to the commissary store? 
and again reciucstcd provisions for the regiment, and received the same answer 
that was given to the colonel. Maj. McLellan replied, "you rascal, do you 
think I will permit my regiment to starve and perish in a cook's shop, furnished 
by the public — do you, sir, instantly turn out sufficient, or I will despatch you," 
while his ten 6 feet soldiers all presented their bayonets at the breast of the 
commissary, who instantly and tremblingly threw open his store door and 
turned out a necessary supply, to the great joy and mirth of the soldiers. 

The following facts are related of a noble horse that was rode by Col. Mc- 
Lellan during the war : so accustomed had he become to martial music, that for 
years after the war closed, whenever he heard the drum and fife on training 
days, he would leap from his pasture and parade himself before the company 
with as much apparent satisfaction as the captain who commanded it. 

June, 1776. The colony of Connecticut, at the special session in June, 1776, 
instructed the delegates of the colony, in the General Congress, to propose to 
said Congress, that the United Colonies should be declared Independent Slates, 
&c., as appears by the following Preamble and Resolution, viz. : 

13 



94 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 

fications, and persoi^^interest, Hale would not suffer from a 
comparison with Andre. Yet strange as it may seem, the fate of 
Andre, even in America, has been universally lamented, and his 
memory universally respected ; whilst it is scarcely known that 
there was ever such a man as Nathan Hale. Andre has had a 
monument erected to his memory by his country, and the most 

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 
At a General Assembly of the Governor and Company of the English Colony 
of Connecticut, in New England, in America, holden at Hartford, in said 
Colony, by special order of the Governor, on the 14th day of June, A. D. 1776. 
Whereas the King and Parliament of Great Britain, by many acts of said 
Parliament have claimed and attempted to exercise povpers incompatible with, 
and subversive of the ancient, just, and constitutional rights of this and the rest 
of the English colonies in America, and have refused to listen to the many and 
frequent, humble, decent, and dutiful petitions for redress of grievances and 
restoration of such their rights and liberties, and turning from them with neglect 
and contempt to support such claims, after a series of accumulated wrong and 
injury, have proceeded to invade said colonies with fleets and armies, to destroy 
our towns, shed the blood of our countrymen, and involve us in the calamities 
incident to war; and are endeavoring to leduce us to an abject surrender of our 
natural and stipulated rights, and subject our property to the most precarious 
dependence on their arbitrary will and pleasure, and our persons to slavery, 
and at length have declared us out of the king's protection, liave engaged foreign 
mercenaries against us, and are evidently and strenuously seeking our ruin and 
destruction. These and many other transactions, too well known to need enu- 
meration ; the painful experience and effects of which we have suffered and feel, 
make it evident, beyond the possibility of a doubt, that we have nothing to hope 
from the justice, humanity or temperate councils of the British King or his 
Parliament, and that all hopes of a reconciliation, upon just and equal terms are 
delusory and vain. In this state of extreme danger, when no alternative is left 
us but absolute and indefinite submission to such claims as must terminate in the 
extreme of misery and wretchedness, or a total separation from the King of 
Great Britain, and renunciation of all connection with that nation, and a success- 
ful resistance to that force which is intended to effect our -destruction. Appeal- 
ing to that God, who knows the secrets of all hearts, for the sincerity of 
former .declarations of our d<?sire to preserve our ancient and constitutional 
relation to that nation, and protesting solemnly against their oppression and 
injustice, which have driven us from them, and compelled us to use such means 
as God in his providence hath put in our power, for our necessary defence and 
preservation — 

Resolved unanimously by this Assembly, that the delegates of this colony in 
General Congress, be, and they are liereby instructed to propose to that respect- 
able body, to declare the United American Colonies, free and independent 
States, absolved from all allegiance to the King of Great Britain, and to give 
the assent of this colony to such Declaration, when they shall judge it expedient 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 95 

distinguished honors and rewards conferred upon his family ; but 
what has our country done for the memory of Hale 1 No stone, 
however humble, has been erected to it ; no memorial has res- 
cued it from oblivion ; and no inscription has preserved his ashes 
from insult, (until within a few years past, when Congress appro- 
priated $1,000 to erect a monument to his memory.) Such is 

and best, and to whatever measures may be thought proper and necessary by the 
Congress, for forming foreign alliances, or any plan of operations for necessary 
and mutual defence : and also that they move and promote, as fast as may be 
convenient, a regular and permanent plan of union and confederation of the 
colonies for the security and preservation of their just rights and liberties, and 
for mutual defence and security — saving that the administration of Government 
and the power ought to be left arid remain to the respective Colonial Legisla- 
tures ; and that such plan be submitted to the respective Legislatures for their 
previous consideration and assent. 

Passed in the Lower House. 

Test, Titus Hosmer, Clerk. 

Concurred in the Upper House. 

Test, George Wyllys, Secretary. 

At the session of the General Assembly of Connecticut, held in October, 1776, 
the Assembly passed the following Bill declaring this Colony an Independent 
State, &c., to wit : 

Whereas George the Third, King of Great Britain, hath unjustly levied war 
against this and the other United States of America, declared them out of his 
protection, and abdicated the government of this State — whereby the good 
people of this State are absolved from their allegiance and subjection to the 
Crown of Great Britain. And whereas the representatives of the said United 
States in General Congress assembled, have published and declared that these 
United States are and of right ought to be free and independent States, and 
that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown. 

Resolved by this Assembly, That they approve of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, published by said Congress, and that this colony is and of right ought 
to be a free and independent State, and the inhabitants thereof are absolved 
from all allegiance to the British Crown, and all political connection between 
them and the King of Great Britain is and ought to be totally dissolved, and. 

Be it enacted by the Governor, Council and Representatives in General Court 
assembled, and by the authority of the same, that the form of civil government 
in this State shall continue to be as established by Charter received from Charles 
the Second, King of England, so far as an adherence to the same will be con- 
sistent with an absolute independence of this State on the Crown of Great 
Britain ; and that all officers civil and military heretofore appointed by this 
State continue in the execution of their several offices, and the laws of this State 
shall continue in force until otherwise ordered ; and that for the future all writs 
and processes in law or equity shall issue in the name of the Governor and 
Company of the State of Connecticut ; and that in all summonses, attachments, 



96 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 

the influence of book^lnd the evil tendency of importing them, 
that while Nathan Hale, an American, an ardent revolutionary 
patriot, and who offered his lii'e as a sacrifice to our liberties, is 
wholly unknown, — the life, character, and fate of Andre are fa- 
miliar to almost every individual, however humble his situation, 
or limited his intelligence." [Pease and Niles' Gazetter of Con- 
necticut and Rhode Island.] 

Thus while fond virtue wish'd in vain to save, 

Hale, bright and generous, found a hapless grave. 

With genius' living flame his bosom glovv'd. 

And science charin'd him to her sweet abode. 

In worth's fair path his feet had ventur'd far, 

The pride of peace, the rising grace of war. 

In duty firm, in danger calm as even, 

To friends unchanging, and sincere to heaven. 

How short his course — the prize, how early won, 

While weeping friendship mourns her fav'rile gone." 



and other processes before any Assistant or Justice of tho Peace, tlie words 
•'one uf liis Majesty's Justices of the Peace" be omitted, and that instead 
thereof be inserted " Justice of the Peace :" and that no writ or process shall 
have or bear any date save the year of our Lord Clirist only — any law, usage 
or custom to tho contrary notwithstanding; and the act in alteration of an 
act prescribing forms of writs, processes, &.C., be repealed, and tho same is 
hereby repealed. 

Passed in tho Lower Plouse. 

Attest, Benjamin Huntinoton, Clerk. 

Concurred in the Upper House. ' 

Test, George Wyllys, Secretary. 

January 7, 1777. Recording of tho Declaration of Indepenccnce by the 
United States, on the Records of Connecticut, by order of the General Assembly. 

Baltimore, January 31st, 1777. 
Gentlemen : — As there is not a more distinguished event in the history of 
America, than the Declaration of her ludrpendence — nor any that in all prolta. 
bility will so much e.xcite the attention of future ages: it is highly proper, that 
tho memory of that transaction, together with the causes that gave rise to it, 
should be preserved in tho most careful manner that can bo devised. 

I am therefore commanded by Congress to transmit you the enclosed copy 
of the Act of Independence, with the list of the several members of Congress 
subscribed thereto — and to request that you will cause the same to be put upon 
Record, that it may henceforth form a part of the archieves of your Slate, and 
remain a lasting testimony of your approbation of that necessary and important 
measure. 

I have tho honor to be. Gentlemen, 

your most obedient and humble servant, 

John Hancock, President. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1770. 97 

There were five sessions of the General Assembly, in 177G ;-■ 
three of which were special sessions. The delegation elected to 
meet at Hartford, in May, 1776, were not inferior to their prede- 
cessors in energy and patriotism. At this (May) session, the 
most vigorous measures were adopted for the defence of the colo- 
ny, and the common country. By special Act, the Governor was 

Honorable General Assembly of Connecticut, 

Resolved by this Assembly, That the Declaration of the United Colonies of 
New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, 
New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, 
South Carolina, and Georgia, made by their delegates in General Congress 
assembled, at Philadelphia, on the fourth day of July, 1776, declaring said 
Colonies to be Free and Independent States, be recorded at length in the 
Records of this Assembly, that the memory thereof may bo preserved to 
posterity. 

Passed in the Upper House. 

Test, George Wyllis, Secretary. 

Concurred with, in the Lower House. 

Attest, Benjamin Huntington, Clerk. 

Upon the articles of confederation proposed by Congress, and acted upon by 
the General Asscml)ly of Connecticut, January and February, 1778 ; Iho 
following Resolution was introduced and discussed, viz. : 

Resolved, That all the articles of confederation proposed by Congress, for 
the consideration of the Legislatures of the respective States, (except the 
eighth article touching the manner of defraying public expences,) are approved 
of by this State. And as to said eighth article, it is the opinion of this State 
that the proportion of the numbers of inhabitants of every age, sex, and 
quality, except Indians, not paying taxes in each State, would be a mucli more 
equitable and practicable rule for taxation than the rule of valuation therein 
proposed — wherefore the delegates from this State are hereby directed to pro- 
pose in the Congress of the United States, an amendment to said article, for 
the purpose and effect aforesaid. But in case said amendment should not bo 
adopted, as this Slate are fully sensible of the great importance, necessity and 
advantage of a firm and speedy union, in order to obtain that desirable end, 
are willing to meet our sister Stales upon the middle ground, betwixt said two 
extremes. The (jclegates of this State, therefore, are further directed ultimately 
to propose a middle rule ot taxation as contained in the following amendment, 
to come in next after the word Treasury, in the 6//i line of said article, viz. : 
•' which shall be supplied by each State, in proportion to its wealth and ability, 
«' which shall be ascertained by two criterions, the one by the number of inhab. 
" itants of every age, sex, and quality, except Indians, not paying taxes in each 
•'State, a true account of which, distinguishing the whole inhabitants shall be 
"taken within one year after the ratification of these articles, and forever alter 
"on every fifth year, and transmitted to the United States in Congress assem- 
"bled: the other criterion, to judge of the wealth and ability of each Stale 
" shall be the value of all land within each State, granted to or surveyed for 



98 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1770. 



made a naval offic^Rf the colony, and was authorized to ap- 
point subordinate officers in each of the following ports, viz : 
New London, New Haven, Middletown, and Norwalk. A mar- 
itime jurisdiction was also given to the County Courts. By anoth- 
er Act, all the troops of horse in the colony were formed into five 
regiments of light-horse. Large detachments of militia were 

" any person, as such land and the buildings and improvements thereon, shall 
«' bo estimated according to sixch mode as the United States, in Congress assem. 
•'bled, shall from time to lime direct and appoint. And if by the application 
" of tho two criterions there appears a difference in the relative wealth and 
•' ability of the States, a medium shall be struck by the United States in Con- 
"gress assembled — and the proportion of money to be paid by each State, shall 
«' be settled by that medium. The taxes, &c, &:c." 

And upon either of the aforesaid amendments being agreed on, the delegates 
of this State aje hereby authorized and directed, fully and amply to confirm 
and ratify said confederation, together vpith any such alterations or amend, 
ments in any other article or articles as shall be finally agreed on by a majority 
of the States, in Congress assembled, which they shall think just and rea- 
Eonable. 
In the Lower House. 

On report of the committee of conference, the further consideration of this 
Bill is referred to the next session of this Assembly. 

Test, Benjamin Payne, Clerk. 

In tho Lower House. 

The foregoing Bill being read and discussed is ordered to be recommitted to 
the same committee that brought it in. 

Test, Benjamin Patne, Clerk. 

Concurred in tho Upper House. 

Test, George VVyllys, Secretary. 

In the Lower House. 

The foregoing Bill is negatived. 

Test, Benjamin Payne, Clerk. 

In the Upper House. 

The foregoing Bill is passed. 

Test, George Wyllys, Secretary. 

In the Upper House. 

William Pitkin and Samuel Huntington, Esq'rs., are appointed to confer 
with such gentlemen as the Lower House shall appoint, on the differing votea 
of the Houses on this Bill. 

Test, George Wyllys, Secretary. 

In the Lower House. 

Capt, Halsey, Col. Porter, and Mr. Mumford, are appointed a committee of 
conference on the differing votes of the Houses, on this Bill, &c. 

Test, Benjamin Payne, Clerk. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 99 

ordered to hold themselves in constant readiness to march at the 
shortest notice, for the defence of any portion of Connecticut, 
or the adjoining colonies. 

One regiment was ordered to be raised for the continental ser- 
vice, and another to be stationed about New London. Sixty 
thousand pounds, in bills of credit, equal to lawful money, were 

Concurred in the Lower House. 

Attest, Benjamin Huntington, Clerk. 

In Congress, July 4, 1776. 
THE UNANIMOUS DECLARATION OF THE THIRTEEN UNITED 
STATES OF AMERICA. 
When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people 
to dissolve the political bands which have connected ^hem with another, and to 
assume, among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which 
the laws of nature and of nature's GOD entitle them, a decent respect to the 
opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel 
them to the separation. 

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that 
they are endowed, by their Creatok, with certain unalienable riglits, that 
among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. — Tiiat to secure 
these rights. Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers 
from the consent of the governed, that whenever any form of government 
becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or 
10 abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such 
principles, and organizing- its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most 
likely to ciFect their safely and happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate, that 
governments long established, should not be changed for light and transient 
causes ; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more 
disposed to suffer, while evils are sufFerablc, than to right themselves by abol- 
ishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of 
abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design 
to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to 
throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security. 
Such has been the patient sufferance of these colonies; and such is now the 
necessity which constrains them to alter their former systems of government. 
The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated inju- 
ries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute 
tyranny over these States. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid 
world. 

He has refused his assent to laws, the most wholesome and necessary for 
the public good. 

He has forbidden his governors to pass laws of immediate and pressing 
importance, unless suspended in their operation till his assent should be 
obtained ; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them. 

He has refused to pass other laws for the accommodation of largo districts of 



100 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 

issued, bearing intereliPand payable at or before the first day of 
January, 1781 ; and a tax of eight pence on the pound was laid 
on all polls and rateable estate in the colony. 

At a special session, held in June, 177G, an act was passed to 
raise by enlistment, two regiments to reinforce the continental 
army in the northern department. David Waterbury, Jr., of 

people, unless those people would relinquish the right of representation in the 
Legislature, a right inestimable to them, and formidable to tyrants only. 

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, 
and distant from the depository of their public records, for the sole purpose of 
fatiguing them into compliance with his measures. 

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly 
firmness his invasions on the rigiits of the people. 

He has refused for a lonf time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be 
elected ; whereby the legislative powers, incapable of annihilation, have returned 
to the people at large for their exercise ; the State remaining, in the mean time 
exposed to all the dangers of invasion from vvithout, and convulsions within. 

He has endeavored to prevent the population of these States ; for that purpose 
obstructing the laws for naturalization of foreigners ; refusing to pass others to 
encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new appropria- 
tions of lands. 

He has obstructed the administration of justice, by refusing his assent to 
laws for establishing judiciary powers. 

He has made judges dependent on his will alone, for the tenure of their offices, 
and the amount and payment of their salaries. 

He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of officers 
to harrass our people, and eat out their substance, 

He has kept among us, in times of peace, standing armies, without the con- 
sent of our Legislatures. 

Ho has affected to render the military independent of and superior to the 
civil power. 

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our 
Constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving iiis assent to their acts 
of pretended legislation : 

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us: 

For protecting them, by a mock trial, from punishment for any murders 
which they should commit on the inhabitants of these States: 

For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world: 

For imposi/ig taxes on us without our consent : 

For depriving us, in many cases, of the benefits of trial by jury : 

For transporting us beyond seas to be tried for pretended offences : 

For abolishing the free system of English laws in a neighboring province, 
establishing therein an arbitrary government, and enlarging its boundaries, so as 
to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same 
absolute rule into these colonies : 



4»# REVOLUTiONAR.y WAR, 1776. 101 

Stamford, was appointed Brigadier General, and Samuel Mott, 
of Preston, and Heman Swift, of Cornwall, were appointed Co- 
lonels of this detachment. At the same special session, seven 
regiments, including the one raised in May, were ordered to 
march immediately and join the continental army in New York, 
(to be holden in service until the 25th of December, 1776.) — 

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable laws, and alter- 
ing fundamentally the forms of our governments : 

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with 
power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever. 

He has abdicated government here, by declaring us out of his protection, and 
waging war against us. 

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed 
tlie lives of our people. 

He is, at this time, transporting large armies of foreign mercenaries to com- 
plete the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circum- 
stances of cruelty and perfidy, scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, 
and totally unworthy the head of a civilized nation. 

He has constrained our fellow citizens, taken captive on the high seas, to 
bear arms against their country, to become the executioners of their friends and 
brethren, or to fall themselves by their hands. 

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavored to 
bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian savages, whose 
known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction, of all ages, sexes, and 
conditions. 

In every stage of these oppressions we have petitioned for redress in the most 
humble terms : our repeated petitions have been answered only by repeated 
injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by ever}' act which may 
define a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people. 

Nor have we been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have 
warned them, from time to time, of attempts by tlieir Legislature to extend an 
unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circum- 
stances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their 
native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured tliem by the ties of our 
common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt 
our connexions and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of 
justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, 
which denounces our separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, 
enemies in war, in peace friends. 

We, therefore, -the Representatives of the UNITED STATES of AMER- 
ICA, in GENERAL CONGRESS assembled, appealing to the Supreme 
Judge of the World for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name, and by 
authority of the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare, 
That these United Colonies, are, and of right ought to be, FREE and INDE- 
PENDENT STATES ; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British 
crown, and that all political connexion between them and the State of Great 
Britain, is, and ought to be, totally dissolved ; and that as FREE and INDE- 

14 



102 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 

James Wadsworth, JliPwas appointed Brigadier General. The 
Colonels were Gold S. Silliman, of Fairfield, Charles Webb, of 
Stamford, Philip B. Bradley, of liidgefield, Jedediah Huntington, 
of Norwich, Fisher Gay, of Farmington, Comfort Sage, of Mid- 
dletown, and John Douglass, of Plainfield. Some of these did 
not accept of the appointment, and others were appointed in 
their places. 

PENDENT STATES, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, con- 
tract alliances, establish commerce, and do all other acts and things which 
INDEPENDENT STATES may of right do. And for the support of this 
Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of DIVINE PROVIDENCE, 
we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred 
Honor. 

JOHN HANCOCK. 

Massachusetts Bay Sam'l. Adams, John Adams, Rob't. Treat Paine, 

Elbridge Gerry. 

Rhode Island and Providence, &c. — Step. Hopkins, William Ellery. 

Connecticut — Roger Sherman, Sam'l. Huntington, Wni. Williams, Oliver 
Wolcott, 
' Delaware — Caesar Rodney, Geo. Read. 

New York — Wm. Floyd, Phil. Livingston, Fran's. Lewis, Lewis Morris. 

New Jersey — Rich'd. Stockton, Jno. Witherspoon, Era's. Hopkinson, John 
Hart, Abra. Clark. 

New Hampshire — Josiah Bartlett, Wm. Whipple, Matthew Thornton. 

Virginia — George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Th's. Jefferson, Benja, 
Harrison, Tho's. Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton. 

Pennsylvania — Rob't. Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benja. Franklin, John Mor- 
ton, Geo. Clymer, Ja's. Smith, Geo. Taylor, James Wilson, Geo. Ross. 

Georgia — Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, Geo. Walton. 

North Carolina — Wm. Hooper, Joscpli Hewes, John Ponn. 

South Carolina — Edward Rutlcdge, Tho's. Hcyward, Jun'r., Thomas 
Lynch, Jun'r , Arthur Middleton. 

Maryland — Samuel Chase, Wm. Paca, Tho's. Stone, Charles Carroll, of 
Carrollton. 

In Congress, January 18, 1777. 
ORDERED, 

That an authentic Copy of the DECLARATION of INDEPENDENCY, 
with the names of the MEMBERS of CONGRESS, subscribing the same, be 
sent to each of the UNITED STATES, and that they be desired to have the 
same put on RECORD. 



By order of Congress, 
Attest, 
A true copy. 



JOHN HANCOCK, President. 

Cha's. Thomson, Secretary. 

JOHN HANCOCK, President. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 103 

Early in July, these regiments were recruited and on their way 
to join the continental army at New York. Three regiments of 
light-horse accompanied this detachment. 

The whole number of regularly enlisted regiments raised prior 
to August, 1776, amounted to eleven. Seven for the New York 
army, three for the northern forts on Lake Champlain. (including 

ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION 

And perpetual Union between the States of New Hampshire, Massachusetts 

Bay, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New 

Jersey, Pennsylania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South 

Carolina, and Georgia. 

Article I. The style of this confederacy shall be " The United States of 
America." 

Art. II. Each State retains its sovereignty, freedom and independence, and 
every power, jurisdiction and right, which is not by this confederation expressly 
delegated to the United States, in Congress assembled. 

Art. III. The said States hereby severally enter into a firm league of friend- 
ship with each other, for their common defence, the security of their liberties, 
and their mutual and general welfare, binding themselves to assist each other 
against all force offered to, or attacks made upon them, or any of them, on 
account of religion, sovereignty, trade, or any other pretence whatever. 

Art. IV. The better to secure and perpetuate mutual friendship and inter- 
course among the people of the different States in this Union, the free inhabit- 
ants of each of these States, paupers, vagabonds, and fugitives from justice 
excepted, shall be entitled to all privileges and immunities of free citizens in the 
several States ; and the people of each State shall have free ingress and reoress 
to and from any other State, and shall enjoy therein all the privileges of trade 
and commerce, subject to the same duties, impositions and restrictions as the 
inhabitants thereof respectively, provided that such restrictions shall not extend 
so far as to prevent the removal of property imported into any State, to any 
other State of which the owner is an inhabitant; provided also that no imposi- 
tion, duties or restriction shall be laid by any State, on the property of the 
United States, or either of them. 

If any person guilty of, or charged with treason, felony, or other high misde- 
meanor in any State, shall flee from justice, and be found in any of the United 
States, he shall upon demand of the Governor, or Executive Power of the State 
from which he fled, be delivered up and removed to the State having jurisdiction 
of his offence. 

Full faith and credit shall be given in each of these Stales to the records, acts 
and judicial proceedings of the courts and magistrates of every other State. 

Art. V. For the more convenient management of the general interests of 
the United States, delegates sliall be annually appointed in such manner as the 
Legislature of each State shall direct, to meet in Congress on the first Monday 
in November, in every year, with a power reserved to each State, to recall its 
delegates, or any of them, at any time within the year, and to send others ia 
their stead, for the remainder of the year. 



104 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 

the one which marchHrfor Canada in the early part of the year, 
and was commanded by Colonel Charles Burrall, of Canaan,) and 
one for the defence of New London, commanded by Colonel 
Erastus Wolcott. 

Early in August, the aspect of affairs at New York was so 
threatening, that, at the urgent request of Gen. Washington, the 

No State shall be represented in Congress by less than two, nor by more than 
seven members ; and no person shall be capable of being a delegate for more 
than three years, in any term of six years ; nor shall any person, being a dele- 
gate, be capable of holding any ofBce under the United States, for which he, or 
any other for his benefit receives any salary, fees or emoluments of any kind. 

Each Stale shall maintain its own delegates in a meeting of the States, and 
while they act as members of the committee of tiie States. 

In determining questions in the United States in Congress assembled, each 
State shall have one vote. 

Freedom of speech and debate in Congress shall not be impeached or ques- 
tioned in any court, or place out of Congress, and the members of Congress 
shall be protected in their persons from arrests and imprisonments, during the 
time of their going to and from, and attendance on Congress, except for treason, 
felony, or breach of the peace. 

Art. VI. No State without the consent of the United States in Congress 
assembled, shall send any embassy to, or receive any embassy from, or enter into 
any conference, agreement, alliance or treaty with any king, prince or State ; 
nor shall any person holding any office of profit or trust under the United States, 
or any of them, accept of any present, emolument, office or title of any kind 
whatever from any king, prince or foreign State ; nor shall the United States in 
Congress assembled, or any of them, grant any title of nobility. 

No two or more States shall enter into any treaty, confederation or alliance 
whatever between them, without the consent of the United States in Congress 
assembled, specitying accurately the purposes for which the same is to bo 
entered into, and how long it shall continue. 

No State shall lay any imposts or duties, which may interfere with any stipu. 
lations in treaties, entered into by the United States in Congress assembled, with 
any king, prince or State, in pursuance of any treaties already proposed by Con- 
gress, to the courts of France and Spain. 

No vessels of war shall be keptlup in time of peace by any State, except such 
number only, as shall be deemed necessary by the United States in Congress 
assembled, for the defence of such State, or its trade ; nor shall any body of 
forces be kept up by any State, in time of peace, except such number only, as 
in the judgment of the United States in Congress assembled, shall be deemed 
requisite to garrison the forts necessary for the defence of such State ; but every 
State shall always keep up a well regulated and disciplined militia, sufficiently 
armed and accoutred, and shall provide and constantly have ready for use, in 
public stores, a due number of field pieces and tents, and a proper quantity of 
arms, ammunition and camp equipage. 

No State shall engage in any war without the consent of the United States 
in Congress assembled, unless such Slate be actually invaded by enemies, or 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 105 

Governor and Council ordered the whole of the standing militia, 
west of Connecticut river, together with two regiments on the 
east side of that river, to march to New York city. This or- 
der was promptly carried into effect, although greatly prejudicial 
to the agricultural interests of the State. This body of militia 
comprised fourteen regiments, and at a moderate computation, 

shall have received certain advice of a resolution being formed by some nation 
of Indians to invade such Stale, and the danger is so imminent as not to admit 
of a delay, till the United States in Congress assembled, can be consulted ; nor 
shall any State grant commissions to any ships or vessels of war, nor letters of 
marque or reprisal, except it be after a declaration of war by the United Stales 
in Congress assembled, and then only against the Kingdom or State and the 
subjocts thereof, against which war has been so declared, and under such regu. 
lations as shall be cstablislied by the United States in Congress assembled, unless 
such Stale be infested by pirates, in which case vessels of war may be fitted out 
for that occasion, and kept so long as the danger shall continue, or until the 
United States in Congress assembled, shall determine otherwise. 

Art. VII. When land forces are raised by any Stale for the common 
defence, allofficers of or under the rank of colonel, shall be appointed by the 
Legislature of each State respectively, by whom such forces shall be raised, or 
in such manner as such State shall direct, and all vacancies shall be filled up 
by the State which first made the appoinlment. 

Art. VIII. All charges of war, and all other expences that shall be incurred 
for the common defence or general welfare, and allowed by the United States 
in Congress assembled, shall bo defrayed out of a common treasury, which 
shall be supplied by the several Stales, in proportion to the value of all land 
within each State, granted to or surveyed for any person, as such land and the 
buildings and improvements thereon shall be estimated according to such mode 
as the United States m Congress assembled, shall from lime to time direct and 
appoint. The taxes for paying that proportion shall be laid and levied by the 
authority and direction of the Legislatures of the several States within the time 
agreed upon by the United Stales in Congress assembled. 

AiiT. IX. The United States in Congress assembled, shall have the sole and 
exclusive right and power of determining on peace and war, except in the cases 
mentioned in the sixth article — of sending and receiving ambassadors — 
entering into treaties and alliances, provided that no treaty of commerce shall 
be made whereby the Legislative power of the respective States shall be restrained 
from imposing such imposts and duties on foreigners, as their own people are 
subjected to, or from prohibiting the exportation or hnportation of any species 
of goods or commodities whatsoever — of establishing rules for deciding in all 
cases, what captures on land or water shall be legal, and in what manner 
prizes taken by land or naval forces in the service of the United States shall be 
divided or appropriated — of granting letters of marque and reprisal in times of 
peace— appointing courts for the trial of piracies and felonies committed on the 
high seas, and establishing courts for receiving and determining finally appeals 
in all cases of captures, provided that no member of Congress shall be appointed 
a judge of any of the said courts. 



106 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 

may be estimated to li^ amounted to at least ten thousand men. 
About the same time, a large proportion of the remainder of the 
standing militia, on the east side of Connecticut river, was called 
to the defence of New London, and to aid the inhabitants of Suf- 
folk county, L. I. So that at this time, there were more than 
twenty thousand of the inhabitants of Connecticut in actual ser- 

The United States in Congress assembled, shall also be the last resort on 
appeal in all disputes and differences now subsisting or that hereafter may ariso 
between two or more States concerning boundary, jurisdiction or any other 
cause whatever; which authority shall always be exercised in the manner fol- 
lowing. Whenever the legislative or executive authority or lawful agent of 
any Stale in controversy with anotlier shall present a petition to Congress 
stating the matter in question and praying for a hearing, notice thereof shall 
bo given by order of Congress to the legislative or executive authority of the 
other State in controversy, and'a day assigned for the appearance of the parties 
by their lawful agents, who shall then be directed to appoint by joint consent, 
comniissjoners or judges to constitute a court for hearing and determining tho 
matter in question; but if they cannot agree, Congress shall name three persons 
out of each of the United States, and from the list of such persons each party 
shall alternately strike out one, the petitioners beginning, until the number 
shall be reduced to thirteen ; and from that number not less than seven, nor 
more than nine names as Congress shall direct, shall in the presence of Con. 
gross be drawn out by lot, and the persons whose names shall bo so drawn or 
any five of them, shall be commissioners or judges, to hear and finally deter, 
mine the controversy, so always as a major part of the judges who shall hear 
the cause shall agree in the determination : and if either party shall neglect to 
attend at the day appointed, without shewing reasons, which Congress shall 
judge sufficient, or being present shall refuse to strike, the Congress shall pro. 
ceed to nominate three persons out of each State, and the Secretary of Congress 
shall strike in behalf of such party absent or refusing; and the judgment and 
sentence of the court to be appointed, in the manner before prescribed, shall be 
final and conclusive; and if any of the parlies sliall refuse to submit to the 
authority of such court, or to appear or defend their claim or cause, the court 
shall nevertheless proceed to pronounce sentence, or judgment, which shall in 
like manner be final and decisive, the judgment or sentence and other proceed- 
ings being in either case transmitted to Congress, and lodged among the acts of 
Congress for the security of the parties concerned ; provided that every com. 
missioner, before he sits in judgment, shall take an oath to be administered by 
one of the Judges of the Supreme or Superior Court of the State, where the 
cause shall be tried, " well and truly to hear and determine the matter in ques. 
tion, according to the best of his judgment, without favor, affection or hope of 
reward :" provided also that no State shall be deprived of territory for the ben. 
efit of the United States. 

All controversies concerning the private right of soil claimed under different 
grants of two or more States, whoso jurisdictions as they may respect such 
lands, and the States which passed such grants are adjusted, tho said grants or 
either of them being at the same time claimed to have originated antecedent to 
such settlement of jurisdiction, shall on the petition of cither party to the 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 107 

vice, most of whom had been marched out of the State for the 
defence of New York. 

OHver Wolcott, Esq. was appointed Brigadier General, to com- 
mand the mihtia sent to the city of New York. 

In the beginning of September, the standing mihtia, together 
with the Hght-horse on the east side of Connecticut river, were 



Congress of the United States, be finally determined as near as may be in the 
same manner as is before prescribed for deciding disputes respecting territorial 
jurisdiction berween d'^^srent States. 

The United States m Congress assembled shall also have the sole and exclu- 
sive right and power of regulating the alloy and value of coin struck by their 
own authority, or by that of the respective States — fixing the standard of 
weights and measures throughout the United States — regulating the trade and 
managing all affairs with the Indians, not members of any of the States, pro. 
vided that the legislative right of any State witliin itS; own limits be not 
infringed or violated — establishing and regulating post offices from one State 
to another, throughout all the United States, and exacting such postage on the 
papers passing through the same as may be requisite to defray the expences of 
the said office — appointing all officers of the land forces, in the service of the 
United Siates, excepting regimental officers— appointing all the officers of the 
naval forces, and conunissioning all officers whatever in the service of the United 
Slates — making rules for the government and regulation of the said land and 
naval forces, anftl 'directing their operations. 

The United States la Congress assembled, shall have authority to appoint a 
committee, to sit in the recess of Congress, to be denominated " ./5 Comrnillee 
of the Slates" and to consist of one delegate from each State; and to appoint 
such other committees and civil officers as may be necessary for managing the 
general aflUirs of the United States under their direction — to appoint one of 
their number to preside, provided that no person be allowed to serve in the office 
of president more than one year in any term of three years — to ascertain the 
necessary sums of money to be raised for the service of the United States, and 
to appropriate and apply the same for defraying the public expences — to borrow 
money, or emit bills on the credit of the United States, transmitting every half 
year to the respective States an account of the sums of money so borrowed or 
omitted — to build and equip a navy — to agree upon the number of land forces, 
and to make requisitions from each State for its quota, in proportion to the 
number of white inhabitants in such Stale ; which requisition shall be binding, 
and thereupon the Legislature of each State shall appoint the regimental officers, 
raise the men, and clothe, arm, and equip them in a soldier like manner, at the 
expence of the United States, and the officers and men so clothed, armed and 
equipped shall march to the place appointed, and within the time agreed on by 
the United States in Congress assembled : But if the United States in Congress 
assembled shall, on consideration of circumstances judge proper that any State 
should not raise men, or should raise a smaller number than its quota, and that 
any other State should raise a greater number of men than tlie quota thereof, 
such extra number shall be raised, officered, clothed, armed and equipped in tiie 
same manner as the quota of such State, unless the Legislature of such State 
shall judge that such extra number cannot bo safely spared out of the same, in 



108 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 

ordered to march wltl^he utmost expedition, to Westchester, 
near New York. Tliis detachment was commanded by Brig. 
Gen. Gurdon SaUonstall, of New London. 

During the disastrous campaign on Long Island, and in and 
about New York, in the months of August, September, and Oc- 
tober, the Connecticut forces comprised a large proportion of 



which case they shall raise, officer, clothe, arm and equip as many of such 
extra number as they judge can be safely spared. And the officers and men so 
clothed, armed and equipped, shall march to the place appointed, and within 
the time agreed on by the United States in Congress assem!)led. 

The United States in Congress assembled shall never engage in a war, nor 
grant letters of marque and reprisal, in time of peace, nor enter into any trea. 
ties or alliances, nor coin money, nor regulate the value thereof, nor ascertain 
the sums and expences necessary for the defence and welfare of the United 
Slates, or any of them, nor emit bills, nor borrow money on the credit of the 
United States, nor appropriate money, nor agree upon the number of vessels of 
war, to be built or purchased, or the number of land or sea forces to be raised, 
nor appoint a commander-in-chief of the army or navy, unless nine States 
assent to the same ; nor shall a question on ;iny other point, except for adjour- 
ning from day to day be determined, unless by the votes of a mujority of the 
Uuited States in Congress assembled. 

The Congress of the United States shall have power to adjourn to any time 
within the year, and to any place within the United States,*sb that no period 
of adjournment be for a longer duration than tlie space of«six months, and shall 
publish the journal of their proceedings monthly, except such parts thereof 
relating to treaties, alliances or military operations, as in their judgment require 
secrecy ; and the yeas and nays of the delegates of each State on any question 
shall be entered on the journal, when it is desired by any delegate ; and the 
delegates of a Stale, or any of liiem, at his or their request shall be furnished 
with a transcript of said journal, except such parts as are above excepted, to 
lay before the Legislatures of the several States. ^''^^ 

Art. X. The committee of the States, or any nine of them^ shall be author, 
ized to execute, in the recess of Congress, such of the powers of Congress as 
the United States in Congress assembled, by the consent of nine States, shall 
from time to time think expedient to vest them with ; provided that no power 
bo delegated to the said committee, for the exercise of which, by the articles of 
confederation, the voice of nine States in the Congress of the United Statea 
assembled is required. 

Art. XL Canada acceding to this confederation, and joining in the measures 
of the United States, shall be admitted into, and entitled to all the advantages 
of this union : but no other colony shall be admitted into the same, unless such 
admission be agreed to by nine States. 

Art. XII. All bills of credit emitted, moneys borrowed, and debts contracted 
by, or under the authority of Congress, before the assembling of the United 
States, in pursuance of the present confederation, shall be deemed and consid. 
ered as a charge against the United States, for payment and satisfaction whereof 
the said United States, and the public faith arc hereby solemnly pledged. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 109 

Washington's army. The mihtia, called hastily from their homes, 
were badly provided with food and clothing, and suffered much 
from sickness and the hardships incident to war. 

The regular troops from Connecticut were formed into a divi- 
sion, comprising two brigades. This division was commanded 
by Maj. Gen. Joseph Spencer, and Brig. Gens. James Wadsworth, 

Art. XIII. Every State "'all abide by the determinations of the United 
States in Congress assembled, on all questions which by this confederation are 
submitted to them. And the articles of this confederation shall be inviolably 
observed by every State, and the union sluill be perpetual; nor shall any altera- 
tion at any time hereafter be mada in any of them ; unless sucli alteration be 
agreed to in a Congress of the United Slates, and be afterwards confirmed by 
the Legislatures of every State. 

Tiiese Articles shall be proposed to the Legislatures of all the United Stales, 
to be considered, and if approved of by them, they are advised to authorize their 
delegates, to ratify the same in the Congress of the United States; which being 
done, the same shall become conclusive. 

Adjourned General Assembly, January 8th, 1778. 
In the Lower House. 

The foregoing Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union between the 
several United States of America, expressly named therein, being read and 
duly considered, anil discussed article by article, is accepted and approved, and 
thereby ordered that a Bill be brought in especially iiislrucling the delegates 
of this State in Congress to ratify the same. 

Test, Benjamin Payne, Clerk. 

Dissented to in the Upper House. 

Test, George Wyllvs, Secretary. 

In the Lowei Hoirse^^ 

Capt. Hals3y,*'2yrr. Mumford, and Col. Porter are appointed a committee to 
confer with such gentlemen as the Hon. Upper House shall appoint on the 
differing votes of the Houses on the matter aforesaid. 

Test, Benjamin Payne, Clerk. 

In the Lower House. 

On report of the committee of conference and reconsideration, the further 
consideration hereof is referred to the next session of this Assembly. 

Test, Benjamin Payne, Clerk. 

Concurred in the Upper House. 

Test, George Wyllys, Secretary. 

CONNECTICUT STATE RECORD, FEBRUARY, 1778. 

The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union proposed by Congress, 
to be entered into by the thirteen United Slates of America, being laid before 
this Assembly, by his Excellency the Governor, wore read and maturely con- 
sidered^ 

15 



110 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 

and Samuel H. Pars(jMh The Connecticut forces constituted the 
nucleus of the army of Washington at this eventful period, and 
signalized themselves in all the achievements, and suftcred more 
severely than any other portion of the army in this disastrous 
campaign. Huntington's regiment sustained a high character in 
the action on Long Island, and suflered a heavy loss there, as 
well as in the subsequent operations in Westchester county. — 
Douglass, Webb, and Silliman's regiments were engaged in va- 
rious actions — in all of which they fought with great bravery. 

The standing militia of the State sustained five heavy draughts 
for actual service in 1770. The first, a great draught from the 
western section, marched for the defence of New York. The 



Whereupon Resolved, As the opinion of this Assembly that said Articles in 
general appear to be well adapted to cement and preserve the union of said 
States, to secure their freedom and independence, and promote their general 
welfare, but, that with some amendments they may be rendered more perfect, 
equitable and satisfactory — Wherefore the delegates of this State arc hereby 
instructed to propose to the consideration of Congress the following amend, 
ments, viz. : 

Ist. That in the 8lh Article as a rule for determining each Slate's proportion 
of the common expense instead of the value of the lands, buildings, &'-c., as 
expressed in said article, be inscribed the number of inhabitants in each State, 
this being in the opinion of this Assembly a more certain, cquiiablo and prac- 
ticable rule than the other. Trade and manufactures which employ and support 
great numbers of inhabitants being sources of wealth to a Slate as well as the 
produce of lands ; besi<les it will be very difficult if not impossible to obtain 
such an estimate of the value of the lands and buildings in the United States 
as would do justice or give satisf.iction to the several States. 

2d. That next after the fifth paragraph in the 9th Article be inserted the 
following- clause, viz. : Provided that no land army shall be kept up by tho 
United States in time of peace, nor any officers or pensioners kept in pay by 
them who are not in actual service, except such as are or maj be rendered 
unable to support themselves, by wounds received in battle in the service of 
said States, agreeable to tho provisions alieady made by a resolution of Congresa. 

The foregoing amendments being agreed to, in substance, maj be made in 
such manner and form as Congress sliall think proper. 

And whereas other amendments may be proposed by some of the other Stales, 
and it being highly expedient for the welfare and security of the said States 
that the articles of confederation be finally concluded and ratified as soon as 
possible. 

Therefore Resolved, That tho delegates of this State who shall be present in 
Congress, bo, and they are hereby fully authorized and impowered in behalf of 
this State, to agree to and ratify the said articles of confederation with such 
amendments, if any be, as by them in conjunction willi the delegates of the 
other States in Congress, shall bo thought proper. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. Ill 

second, for the defence of New London and Long Lsland. The 
third, a great draught from the eastern section of the State, to 
Westchester county, N. Y. The fourth, for the defence of Rhode 
Island. This last detachment was commanded by Gen. Joseph 
Spencer, who had been recalled from his command in the State 
of New York. The fifth, was a c' aught from the extreme western 
section of the State, for the defence and protection of its wes- 
tern border, during the latter part of the year. This force was 
commanded by Maj. Gen, Wooster, who had recently returned 
from Canada, where he had been in service during the early 
part of the season. 

In all these draughts, besides those employed for its own de- 
fence, probably more than fifteen thousand men marched from 
Connecticut. 

The delegates to the General Assembly, which met at New 
Haven, in October, 177G, were called upon to discharge a great 
and perilous duty — to sanction the Declaration of Independence, 
which had, in July, been adopted by the Continental Congress. 
The members composing this Assembly, are entitled to great 
praise for their Roman firmness, and almost unprecedented una- 
nimity, with the sword of British vengeance hanging over their 
heads. During the darkest period of the revolutionary struggle, 
they resolved on freedom or death, and boldly assumed the high 
functions of self-government. 

The General Assembly, at the December session of this year, 
formed the militia of the State into six brigades. The Hon. Da- 
vid Wooster, of New Haven, and Jabez Huntington, of Nor- 
wich, were appointed Major Generals ; and Hon. Eliphalet Dy- 
er, of Windham, Gurdon Saltonstall, of New London, Oliver 
Wolcott, of Litchfield, Erastus Wolcott, of East Windsor, James 
Wadsworth, of Durham, and Gold S. Silliman, of Fairfield, were 
appointed Brigadier Generals. 

Near the close of the year 1776, there were four regiments 
ordered to be raised, by enlistment, to join the army near New 
York, and continue in service until the 15th of March, 1777. — 
Samuel Whiting, Thaddeus Cook, John Ely, and Roger Enos, 
were appointed Colonels to command these regiments. 

About the same time, a regiment of volunteers was authorized 
to be raised, to march to the aid of Gen. Washington. Noadiah 
Hooker was appointed Colonel of this regiment. 



112 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 



CONNECTICUT, AND THE CAMPAIGN OF 1777 8. 

The campaign of 1777 opened by the invasion of Connecticut 
by the British, for the first time during the war. The following 
account of this invasion, is taken from the New London Gazette, 
of May^Oth, 1777:— 

" On Friday, the 25th inst. (April,)'twenty-six of the enemy's 
ships appeared off Norwalk islands, standing in for Cedar Point, 

Sept. 21, 1777. I5y a petition ofOzias Marvin, of Norwalk, [.dated 21st Sept. 
1777, it appears that at the lime the British troops landed at Campo and marched 
to Danbury, the militia of Norwalk, Stamford, &c., were stationed the first 
night at Saugattick, near where tiio enemy landed for the purpose of watching 
the niovetnents of the enemy during the niglit — the weather was cold and chilly 
and the militia complained of the want of refreshments, and Mr. Marvin fur. 
nished them with forty-five gallons of rum, out of which he filled twenty.four 
case bottles to carry with them on their march to Danbury, together with sixty 
pounds of dried beef, eight pounds of sugar, &c. That the people generally 
near Campo, deserted their houses, and Capt. Marvin was with his company, 
during the night watciiingthe enemy, and the next morning pursued them, and 
continued until they returned to their ships. 

At the battle near Bcnni/igton, in Vermont, on the 16th of August, 1777, 
between a part of the British army, commanded by Gov. Skecn, and the militia 
under Gen. Stark, Gen. Burgoyne had detached his men, in number about 
1500, composed of British troops and tories, to traverse the country as far as 
Bennnigton, as a terror to the new settlers. of Vermont, and to procure pro- 
visions for the army, as well as to wreak his vengeance on such as liad disre. 
garded his calls of mercy, and indignantly slighted his proffered protection. 
Gov. Skecn had advantageously marched his men within five miles of the 
meeting house in Bennington, wlicre for their security they erected breast 
works, which Gon. Stark saw would be a miserable protection, (who was pro- 
videntially there with his brigade of militia,) and therefore determined to give 
him battle. And he invited Col. Siraond's regiment of militia, from Berkshire 
county to assist him ; a part of Col. Brown's regiment ; the volunteers from 
the neighboring towns; and Col. W^arner (of Connecticut) with a part of his 
regiment. The weather was fine, and between 3 and 4 o'clock, P. M., General 
Stark attacked the British in front and flank in three or four different places at 
the same instant. The action was extremely hot for nearly two hours. The 
flanking divisions carried their points to great advantage, when the front 
pressed on to their breast work with an ardor and patience unexpected by Gov. 
Skeen. The blaze of the guns of the opposite parties, reaching each other, 
the fire became uncomfortably hot, but the militia mounted their breast works, 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 113 

where they anchored at 4 o'clock, P. M., and soon began landing 
their troops. By 10 o'clock, they had landed two brigades, con- 
sisting of upwards of two thousand men, who marched immedi- 
ately for Danbury ; where they arrived next day at 2 o'clock, 
P. M. The handful of Connecticut troops there, were obliged 



amidst peals of thunder and flashes of lightning from their guns, without 
regarding their field pii!ces, when the enemy at once deserted their breast 
works and ran, and in five minutes tlieir camp was in confusion, their battal- 
ions broken to pieces and fled in great haste; when our whole army pressed 
after them with redoubled ardor, pursued them about a mile, killed many of 
Hem, and took a groat number of prisoners, and one field piece had fallen into 
the hands of the Americans. When they stopped to get breath, the enemy 
being reinfi)rced, the American front fell back a few rods for convenience of 
ground, and being dneclcd and collected by Col, Rossiter, and reinforced by 
Maj, Stratton, renewed the battle with redoubled ardor, and marched into their 
ranks with great impetuosity, and soon put them in confusion and to flight 
again, and pursued them about a mile and took many prisoners, three brass 
field pieces, when it became so dark they could follow them no farther. The 
enemy fled precipilatuly the next night towards the North river. Gov. Skeen 
in his surprise and consternation, fled on horseback. The Americans lost in 
killed, about forty.five men, and more than that number wounded. The bag. 
gage of the British fell into our possession. The number of prisoners taken 
were said to bo about six hundred — two of their colonels mortally wounded, 
many inferior ofiicers taken, and the general's aid-de-camp. Many of their 
soldiers deserted and jomed the American army. This action was not only a 
crown for Gen. Stark, but it proved to the Americans his valor, prudence, and 
warlike spirit, and greatly endeared him to the soldiery of the country. 

The following is the account given at the time by an eye witness, of the 
number of prisoners taken in the action, viz.: 2 colonels, 1 lieutenant colonel, 
1 major, 5 captains, 12 lieutenants, 4 ensigns, 3 surgeons, 2 Canadian officers, 
1 baron, 398 Germans and 37 British privates, 38 Canadians, 175 tories — 
total G80 — two brass 4 pound cannon, two do. 3 pounders, one medicine wagon, 
and a quantity of baggage. [Connecticut Courant.] 

A man by the name of Palmer, under Gen. Clinton, had been taken as a spy 
and brought into the camp of Gen. Putnam, at Peekskill, N. Y., and was found 
to be a lory that had been made a lieutenant in the British service. Governor 
Tryon demanded his release, and thrca'ened vengeance if he should be executed 
by tlie Americans. Gen. Futuam answered the demand as follows, to Gov. 
Tryon : 

"Sir — Nathan Palmer, a lieutenant in your service, was taken in my camp 
as a spy ; he was tried as a spy ; he was condemned as a spy ; and you may 
rest assured, sir, he shall bo hanged as a spy. 

" I have the honor to be, &c. 

«' ISRAEL PUTNAM. 
«• To His Excellency Gov, Tryon. 
"P. S. Afternoon, lie is hanged." 



114 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. - 

to evacuate the to\\|^having previously secured a part of tlie 
stores, provisions, «fec. The enemy, on their arrival, began burn- 
ing and destroying the stores, houses, provisions, &c. On the 
appearance of the enemy, the country was alarmed ; and early 
the next morning, Brig. Gen. Silliman, with about five hundred 
militia, (all that were collected,) pursued the enemy. At Red- 

In 1776, the red ground of the American flag was altered to thirteen blue 
and white stripes, as an emblem of tho thirteen colonies united in a war for 
their liberty. 

At the battle of Gcrmantown, while Maj. Burnet was attending to a cannon, 
in turning round, a musket bail from the nnemy cut off his cue, which fell upon 
the ground by his side without injuring him. 

The following story shews the faithlessness and treachery of Indians. 

A sargeant with twelve men, who, travelling through the woods in Newr 
Hampshire, on his way to the American army, his route being far from any set- 
tlement, tho sargeant being familiar witii the Indian character — early in tlie 
afternoon in a copse of woods, a number of Indians rushed out before them, 
apparently pleased to meet the sargeant and his men, and claimed to be their 
best friends, declared they had taken up the hatchet for the Americans, and 
would scalp the villainous English as they would so many wild cats — greeted 
the sargeant and his men by the appellation of brother, with a hearty shake of 
the hand, and soon left them. The sargeant after marching his men a short 
distance, halted them, and informed them tiiey should all die before tho next 
morning; that the friendship of the Indians was a fiction, and they would seo 
them again before morning. When night came, they encamped near a stream 
of water, vvhicii was a protection on one side; they then fell a tree about the 
size of a man's body, kindled a large fire, then cut the tree into thirteen pieces 
about tho length of their bodies, and rolled each nicely in their blankets, placed 
their hats on the ends of the logs and placed them before the fire, at such dis- 
tance as each log should be taken for a man wrapped in his blanket. They 
then placed themselves behind the limbs of the fallen tree ; when it became 
dirk, they with loaded guns, with a bright fire, and with a constant watch, kept 
perfect silence. As the fire began to get low, a tall Indian was discovered, 
moving cautiously and skulking Indian like, about the premises; full of sus. 
picion he crept forward, counted his thirteen men quietly sleeping as ho sup. 
posed by the fire ; he silently retired ; another slyly crept up and counted the 
men and retired; when the party of sixteen Indians came up, gazed at the logs 
until they were satisfied the thirteen men were in a sound sleep, they took good 
aim at the logs, discharged their guns, gave the horrid war whoop and stepped 
forward to murdci and scalp the sargeant and his men ; the sargeant and his 
men took deliberate aim in the bru&h, and not an Indian was left to tell the 
result of their expedition. 

1777. Solomon Leet, of Guilford, on the 15th of January, 1778, stated in 
his petition to the General Assembly, holden at Hartford, in said January, that 
on the 17th day of June, 1777, the enemy landed at Sachem's Head, in Guilford, 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 1 15 

ding, he was joined by Maj. Gen. Wooster, and Brig. Gen. Ar- 
nold. The heavy rain all the afternoon, retarded the march of 
our troops so much, that they did not reach Bethel — a village two 
miles from Danbury — till 11 o'clock at night, much fatigued, and 
their arms rendered useless by being wet. It was thought pru- 
dent to refresh the men, and wait the attack of the enemy on 

and set fire to liis house, and two barns, which were consumed, with all his 
household furniture, and many other articles of value which he had caused to be 
appraised, with an inventory; and asked the Assembly for relief, which was 
granted. 

A Letter from John Brooks, to the Author of this Work. 
1841. My young friend and neighbor called on me in your behalf, to givo 
some account of the occurrences whicli took place in Stratford, in the time of 
the revolutionary war. When that commenced I was but eleven years of age; 
my recollection of things which took place in Stratford, during that period, 
may not be very correct, as I have only to depend on memory. Capt. John 
Brooks, who was my father, and one who took a very active part in the cause 
throughout the war, and of whom I shall have occasion to speak hereafter, was 
chased in from sea by the ship Asia, (after the battle of Lexington) which was 
the first British armed ship that arrived on our part of the coast, and soon after 
made her appearance in Long Island Sound, and anchored off Stratford. This 
caused great alarm amongst all classes of the citizens, who did not know how 
to act, whether for or against their king; but in a short time many of the most 
wealthy inhabitants became strong royalists, and some received commissions 
to raise forces and join the British. This was particularly the case with a very 
likely young man by the name of Chapman, who was sent off with others under 
oflag of truce by the civil authorities to ascertain from the commander of tho 
ship what was his request or design. At this time Chapman received a lieuten. 
ant's commission to raise forces under the king, who did absolutely succeed in 
enticing away several of the young men from Stratford, all of whom took up 
arms against their country. The ship remained some days at anchor, in which 
time there was a comn)unication kept up between her commander and the inhab- 
itants, who found a ready market for what they had to spare. By this time 
people had got pretty well settled down in their principles ; those who became 
lories, were so out of honest principle, thinking it a heuious crime to rebel 
against their lawful sovereign ; tlie contest soon became wartn, and Captain 
Brooks who took up strongly in tiie cause, soon became a conspicuous char- 
acter, and was burlhened with several appointments, both by town and State; 
in particular, he was Barrack ina^er, (as it was then called) for all the troops 
passing and repassing through the town, in consequence of which the small 
pox broke out in his family. This was in January, 1777, and was occasioned 
by the entertainment of some prisoners on their way home, who were taken at 
the surrender of fort Washington, and were landed at Stratford Point, by a flag 
of truce out of New York, which was then in possession of the British. These 
prisoners had been long confined, in different prisons, when an exchange took 
place ; they had been much exposed to small pox ; and although every prccau- 



116 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

their return. Early (M^he next morning, (vvliicii proved rainy,) 
the whole were in motion ; two hundred men remained with 
Gen. Wooster, and about four hundred were detached under Gen. 
Arnold and Gen. Silliman, on the road leading to Norwalk. At 
9 o'clock, A. M., intelligence was received, that the enemy had 
taken the road leading to Norwalk, of which Gen. Wooster was 

tion was taken in Capt. Brooks' family to avoid taking it, yet it did take place, 
and every body at that day was so ignorant of the disorder, it was impossible to 
keep it from spreading; consequently, tiiat very winter and tlie spring follow. 
ing, there were about six hundred persons, who went through with it, and not 
more than four or six deaths took place. As the war progressed Stratford 
bccaino pretty notorious for what was called illicit trade in boats with the 
British, who had possession of Long Island, and wliich made it very convenient 
for those engaged in it, to export small articles, such as hums, cheese, butter 
eggs, and small stock of all kinds. Some of these boats were captured by iho 
guard, which was constantly kept up, and immediately libelled, judged, and 
divided among themselves, and the men set at liberty. One of these boats, 
however, was not so fortunate, being hailed by the sentmel, as she was rowing 
out of the harbor, (laden as above) and not paying any regard to the challenge, 
was fired upon by the sentinel, by wliich two men were killed dead, on which 
the boat surrendered ; this happened at a place called Newfield, then a part of 
Stratford, but now is the city of Bridgeport ; there were also two whale boats 
belonging to a company of four or six persons, in Stratford, which frequently 
wore absent a week or more at a time, and it was strongly suspccled they were 
carrying on an illicit trade to Long Island, neither of these bo<tis, however, were 
ever captured, yet soon after their return from a cruise, there was no difficulty 
in procuring goods of any kind from the owners. And it turned out after the 
war was ended, that these very men who owned these boats were absolutely 
employed by Gen. Washington as spies, to obtain such information in New 
York of the movements of the British as they best could, and forward to head 
quarters, on their return. I was well acquainted with every one of the men 
who preformed this service, namely, Capt. John Barlow, who was a natural 
born citizen of Stratford, Isaac Whippo, George Smith, Sylvanus Dickeson, 
and one or two others, whom I do not recollect ; these last mentioned were 
refugees from Long.Island, whigs ; they are, however, all dead ; but the two 
last named, Smith and Dickeson, did each of them live to obtain a pension 
from government, on producing their commissions for this service rendered in 
the secret capacity of spies. This was one of Washington's ways of procuring 
information from the enemy ; they had free access to the city, bought goods, 
and returned, which served them free froni all suspicion while there. 

A singular circumstance took place in Stratford, which was I believe, in '79 
or '80. Salt had become so scarce and hard to obtain, that the civil authority 
of Stratford concerted a plan to obtain a vessel load of salt out of New York, 
under color of a flag, (which was nothing more or less, than a fair trade with 
the enemy.) This plan was executed by a man by the name of Vandyke, who 
at that time resided in Stratford, who was not only a good royalist, but an 
Episcopal clergyman, and was well acquainted in New York ; he had liberty 



I 



REVOLUTIOiNAHY WAR, 1777. 117 

advised, and pursued them. lie came up with them about 11 
o'clock, when a smart skirmishing ensued, in which Gen. Woos- 
ter, who behaved with great intrepidity, unfortunately received 
a wound by a musket ball, through his groin, which, it is feared, 
will prove mortal. Gen. Arnold, by a forced march across the 
country, reached Ridgefield by 1 1 o'clock, and having posted his 

to procure a load of salt out of New York, which he did ; about 1500 or 2000 
bushels ; it was brought to Stratford, sold, and distributed amongst the farmers, 
for which he received (,f 5) five round dollars per buishel. Some of the hot headed 
whigs highly disapproved of the measure, but they were those of the poorer class 
and who did not make much use of the article. Capt. Brooks (however true it 
may be) was said to be the principal contriver of this supply of salt, making a 
necessity of the case, it at any rate met with the approbation of the whigs, and 
soon passed off as a dream. 

Stratford suffered during the war in the loss of several of their valuable men 
in battle. At the burning of Fairfield, a Lieut. Blackman was slain ; and at the 
battle of Ridgefield, on the return of the British from the burning of Danbury 
a Lieut. Middlebrooks was killed ; Lieut. William Thompson was slain ; Col. 
John Benjamin, was shot with three buck shot lodged in his neck, which he sur- 
vived, and lived many years after ; Lieut, Deforest was shot in the leg, and Capt. 
Ebenezer Coe, who commanded the same company, was shot in the head, which 
deprived him of part of one ear, and his right eye, he however recovered and 
lived many years after the war ended. — I once asked him how it was, that so 
many officers were killed and wounded— he said it was because the privates run 
off just before they were flanked by the British. Arnold commanded our troops 
on this occasion ; he had his horse shot from under him. 

I have endeavored to put together from recollection these scattered ideas ; if 
they should prove in any way to your undertaking for good, you are welcome 
to make such use of them as you please ; making all reasonable allowances for 
being written by one who now is almost 78 years of age. 

I am, sir, yours, 

JOHN BROOKS. 

In consequence of the reduced situation of the inhabitants of Danbury, tho 
selectmen of said town, in May, 1777, applied lo tho Legislature for aid — In 
which memorial they stated that the British troops united with the lories in 
their hostile incursion, under the pretence of destroying the public stores depos- 
iled at Danbury, had wantonly burned about twenty dwelling houses, and many 
stores and barnes of great value; and on their retreat collected and drove off 
all the cattle horses, and sheep, they were able to find, which had reduced many 
of their inhai)itauts from competence, lo poverty and want ; that nothing was 
left them but distress ; that it was quite impossible for the town to afi'ord relief 
lo all the sufferers ; and that they particularly believed that had not the public 
stores been deposited in Danbury, the attention of the enemy would not have 
been drawn lo that place, or tiicir vengeance fallen upon its citizens. And 
therefore that the Assembly would aid those in immediate want, who could not 
subsist without — and appoint a commillee in behalf of all the sufferers, to esti- 
mate losses, and report to said Assembly, and in &oiae sort bind up llieir wounds. 

IG 



118 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

small party — (being jaJMcd by about one hundred men,) of five 
hundred men, waited the approach of the enemy, who were soon 
discovered advancing in a column, with three field pieces in front, 
and three in rear, and large flank guards, of near two hundred 
men in each. At noon, they began discharging their artillery 
and were soon within musket shot, when a smart action ensued 



Immediately after the aforesaid Petition Gov. Trumbull issued the following 
PROCLAMATION : 

May, 1777. Among the various calamities which at present attend this, and 
the United States of America, and the impending judgments which threaten us 
for our multiplied sins and transgressions against the Sovereign Ruler of the 
Universe ; none afford a more melancholy prospect, and discover a greater 
obduracy and insensibility than when the enemy enter our borders and aro 
spreading terror and devastation in their way among numerous helpless and 
defenceless families, whom the enemy through either the remains of pity, or in 
their precipitate marches have left not altogether stript and plundered ; that our 
own people of the militia, and others raised among us of the continental army 
should be so abandoned to all the feelings of humanity as to rob and plunder 
the remains of what the enemy have left to the poor and distressed inhabitants ; 
and some have beim even so daring as after the enemy are gone off, to set fire 
to houses and buildings, under the pretence of their belonging to some inimical 
inhabitants of this State. These representations have been made to the Gen- 
eral Assembly of this State, by the most pathetic memorial of numbers, who 
have in this way been the unhappy sufferers in the last excursion of the enemy 
to Danbury ; whereupon, and in pursuance of a resolve of the General Assembly 
of this State, at their present session — I do issue forth this Proclamation, 
exhorting and demanding of all and every person or ))ersons, either militia or 
others, who have been guilty of plundering the property and effiicts of any of 
the inhabitants of this State, in the late alarm at Danbury, or who have been 
aiding or assisting therein, immediately, and without delay to return or cause 
to be returned to some one of the authority, or selectmen of the town, where 
such ofl'ending person belongs, all such goods or effects as they have taken or 
found, either in the house or houses, highway or fields of any person or per- 
sons whatsoever, or p^y the value of such as may be consumed or destroyed, 
and give to such authority or selectmen, a true account as near as possible of 
the articles ; and also of the town, society, and place where the same was taken 
or found, at least within ; and thereupon, on his or their so truly and faithfully 
forwarding and delivering up all the goods or eflects plundered, taken or found 
as afores^aid, or paying for the same, shall be discharged from all and every 
prosecution and penalty, by reason of any such breach of the laws of this State 
on account of such misdemeanors as aforesaid — But on hearing or having 
notice of this Proclamation, any person or persons who shall have plundered, 
taken or found the goods, property, or effects of any inhabitant of this State 
as aforesaid, and shall neglect to surrender or deliver up to one of the authority 
or selectmen as aforesaid, such goods, property or effects so taken or found as 
aforesaid, or give notice thereof, and of the articles and effects so found or taken 
within the time limited by this Proclamation, such person or persons so offend, 
ing as aforesaid, shall suffer the full pains and penalties of the laws of this 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 119 

between the whole, which continued about an hour ; in which, 
our men behaved with great spirit, but being overpowered by- 
numbers, were obhged to give way, though not until a small 
breastwork was raised and thrown across the way, at which 
Gen. Arnold had taken post with about two hundred men. The 
rest of our small body were posted on the flank, and acted with 

State against theft and larceny — and tlie civil authority and selectmen of each 
and every town within this State, from whicli any of the militia or others 
marched to the relief of the town of Danbury, or any other towns in the enemy's 
route on tiieir late incursion, are hereby authorized and directed to make the 
strictest enquiry into all and every plunder, goods and effucts found or taken on 
occasion of the alarm aforesaid, by any and every person, in such tiieir rcspsec- 
live towns ; and in order to make full discovery of such goods and effects, they 
or the major part of them are further authorized, empowered and directed to 
call before them every suspected person or persons, as also any others who may 
be supposed to have any knowledge thereof, and him or them examined upoa 
oath touching the premises, and upon their finding just ground to suspect any 
person or persons to be guilty of any such plundering, and taking the goods, 
property or effects of any inhabitant of this State as aforesaid, or concealing 
the same, and who shall not deliver up the aime or give notice thereof as 
aforesaid, but shall still detain, or secrete, or conceal the same after the timo 
limited as aforesaid, and the authority aforesaid, shall make a memorandum in 
writing, of the evidence they shall find, and such person or persons shall bo 
liable on conviction, before any court proper to try the same, to suffer all the 
pains, penalties and forfeitures to be inflicted on those guilty of theft or con. 
cealing of stolen goods, as by law liable to. And it shall be the duty of the grand 
•jurymen of such town, on notice of such enquiry, to call upon the autliority 
of said town as aforesaid, and on finding proper evidence to satisfy his con- 
science, to make due presentment thereof according to law. And whenever it 
shall bo found on enquiry that any person or persons belonging to the contiii. 
ental army, have been guilty of plundering as aforesaid, or any other plundering 
or burning of houses, or buildings of any person or persons belonging to this 
State, by whatever name they may be called, whether friendly or inimical, 
whig or tory, they shall make further enquiry to find out and know to what 
State, battalion and company such offender belongs, and the same with their 
names, send to the Governor of this State, to be by him transmitted to some 
general officer proper to take notice of the same, that justice may be done 
against such high handed offender ; thtit all may be made to know that the 
persons and properties of all the inhabitants of this State, whatever their char- 
acter or denominations may be, all shall he protected against such daring vio- 
lations thereof, that ev3ry one in this time of calamity remain secure in his per. 
son, property and possessions against every unjust invader thereof. 

The following letter is from a gentleman of strict integrity, in the town of 
Westport, and in the neighborhood of Compo Hill and Cedar Point. 

Westport, July 12th, 1841. 

Dear Sir — I received your line a few days since, and in answer to which I 
remark, I had not forgotten your request, but was writing to H., an o'd gen- 



120 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

great spirit. The Gc^priil Imd his horse shot under him, when 
the enemy were within ten yards of him, but hickily received no 
hurt: recovering himself, he drew a pistol and shot the soldier, 
who was advancing with his fixed bayonet. He then ordered 
his troops to retreat, through a shower of small and grape shot. 
In this action, the enemy suffered very considerably, leaving 

tleman who was absent, wlio I presume would give a more detailed account of 
the proceedings of the revolution than any other person about hero, but I have 
not seen him : I therefore give you so far as I have been able to get the facts 
wanted. The British landed on the East side of Saugatuck river at Cedar 
Point, so called, at the lower end of Compo, and marched up and formed on 
Compo hill, about one mile from Cedar Point ; they then marched up Compo 
street, at the head of the street, at the country road, they were fired upon by a 
company of Americans, and the Americans fled aftec the first fire ; they killed 
a number of the British, and the enemy continued their route about a mile North 
of the countiy road, to Cross Highway, as it is called, and then they filed off 
eastward, on said highway until they came to the road that leads from Fairfield 
to Danbnry, about five miles North of the court house, in Fairfield, and about 
a mile North of Greenfield meeling house ; they then took the road passing 
through W^eston bv the church, and tlirouyh Reading on the Ridge, so called, 
by the church, (which they injured very much) to Danbury, and they returned 
by the way of Ridgeficld and Wilten, Our people had proposed to give them 
battle on the West side of Saugatuck river, on Old Hill, so called, which posi. 
tion commanded the bridge across the river, and the only place it was sup- 
posed they would attempt lo come. Our people had quite a force there with a 
number of field pieces, with (Arnold) at their head. The British ascertained* 
the position of our troops, when they were within about a mile of them, and 
instead of persisting in gaining the bridge to cross the river, which position our 
people had the complete command of. They filed off to the North, up the river 
about one mile, piloted it is said by a man by the name of John French, a tory ; 
when they forded the river and passed down on the East side, and got two field 
pieces on Couch Hill opposite. When our people came, they fired upon 
them to prevent their crossing over on the bridge, but they did pass and pressed 
hard upon them down Compo street, and pursued them until they got under the 
cover of the shipping ; it was thought they would have captured them had they 
not crossed tl;e river above them. There were two families that were tories, 
viz. : one by the name of Lockwood and one by the name of Cable ; it is said, 
that Jabez Ijockwood, one of the family, piloted them to Danbury ; and it is 
also said that .Tabez Cable was pilot of the fleet to Cedar Point. There were in 
1781, a party of two companies of refugees, in number about two hundred, 
came over and landed at Cedar Point ; they divided into two divisions, one went 
on the North and the other the South side of Compo hill ; they had some fight, 
ing with the coast guard, but they were so far superior to the guard, they gave 
way; they burnt the guard house. There were a number killed on both sides, 
and some taken prisoners; they plundered a number of cattle, sheep, liogs, and 
fowls, &.C. &.C. ; they took every thing they could lay their hands on ; but the 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 121 

about thirty dead and wounded on the field, besides a number un- 
known, buried. Here we had the misfortune to lose Lieut. CoK 
Gold, one subaltern, and several privates, killed and wounded. 
It was found impossible to rally our troops, and Gen. Arnold or- 
dered a stand to be made at Saugatuck bridge, where it was ex- 
pected the enemy would pass. 

Americans had assembled in such numbers that they mado a hasty retreat, 
leaving a good deal of their booty behind them, which they could not get on 
board the shipping, and came very near being captured. 

January 3, 1777. Several British transports were loading with wood, &;c., at 
the East end of Long Island, guarded by some ships of war, who pilfered and 
robbed the inhabitants of their effects. 

Last Tuesday evening, thirty torics and soldiers under guard arrived at Mid- 
dletown, taken at Hackinsack. N. Y., by a party of Gen. Parsons's brigade. 

A sloop, Wheeler Brown, master, which sailed from New London with pro- 
visions for our army, was taken at Norwalk by a barge, of a Britisli-man-of-war, 

Nathaniel Shaw, Jr., went from New London with a flag of truce, to New 
York, to exchange prisoners, and returned with forty seamen he had exchanged, 
most of whom were from Rhode Island, and on his way from New York, put 
into New Haven, where an express from Gen. Washington to Gen. Heath, with 
the news that early on the 26th of Dec. 1776, Gen. Washington with 3,000 men 
crossed the Delaware, and at 8 o'clock in the morning, engaged the enemy aj 
Trenton, N. J., with about 1,600 men, and the weather cold, with rain and hail, 
and in 35 minutes routed the whole, and took 919 prisoners, exclusive of killed 
and wounded ; 1 colonel, 2 lieut. colonels, 3 majors, 4 captains, 8 lieutenant^ 12 
ensigns, 1 judge advocate, 2 surgeon's mates, 92 sargeants, 20 drummers, 9 musi- 
cians, 25 officers' servants, 740 rank and file. Took 6 brass cannon, two of which 
were 12 pounders ; 1,200 small arms ; 4 standards ; 12 brass drums, with trum- 
pets, swords, 6 wagons, and a number of horses, &c. — [Connecticut Gazette.] 

January 10th, 1777. On the 6th of January, nine British ships passed New 
London to the East. 

January l7, 1776. Accounts stated that Gen. Washington's army on the 11th 
of Januar}', consisted of 22,000 effective men. 

Arrived at Milford a flag of truce, from New York, with more than 200 Amer- 
ican prisoners, whose rueful faces too well depicted their ill treatment, while 
prisoners in New York ; twenty died on their passage from New York to Milford^ 
and twenty more died at Milford, and thirty-one were sick. 

The last day of January was appointed a day of fasting and prayer throughout 
New England. 

An extract of a letter from a prisoner of distinction in New York, from Con- 
necticut, dated 26th Dec. 1776. — " The distress of the prisoners cannot be com- 
municated by words, twenty or thirty die every day, they lie in heaps, unburied ; 



122 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

" At 9 o'clock, A. ^^ the 28th, about five hundred men were 
colleeted at Saugatuck bridge, including part of two companies 
of Col. Lamb's battalion of artillery, with three field pieces, un- 
der command of Lieut. Col. Oswald ; one field piece, with part 
of the artillery company from Fairfield, 60 continental troops, and 
the companies of volunteers from New Haven, with whom Gens. 

what number of my countrymen have died by cold and hunger, perished for the 
wants of the necessaries of life ! — I have seen it I 

" This, sir, is the boasted British clemency — I had nigh perished — New Eng- 
land people can have no idea of such barbarous policy ; nothing can stop such 
treatment but retaliation. It is due to the manes of our murdered countrymen, 
to protect the survivors, rather than experience again their barbarity and insults. 
May I fall by the swords of the Hessians. I am, &c." 

January 24, 1777. On the 13th of January, 1777, Col, Ethan Allen was a 
prisoner on parole in the city of New York. 

On the 19th of January, twenty British officers and soldiers arrived at Hart- 
ford from the westward ; and one hundred and sixty more were on their way to 
Hartford, a part of three hundred taken at Princeton. 

Capt. Lodowick Champlin in a sloop from New London, was taken and car- 
ried into New York. 

January 31, 1777. Ten sail of British ships and two brigs, supposed to bo 
the ships from the East end of Long Island, on the 26th January, and on the 
28th several other British ships went down Long Island sound. On the 29th of 
January, twenty-one sail of the enemy's ships passed New London harbor up 
the ^ound ; the last supposed to be the fleet of transports that had been taking in 
British troops at Newport, bound to New York. 

On the 26th of January, a flag of truce that went from Saybrook, with prison- 
ers to New York, returned to New London harbor, but were not allowed to come 
within some leagues of the city, and to remain there but one night. 

The privateer, American Revenue, Capt. Champlin, of New London, took a 
brig from Quebec, and sent her into Bedford, laden with fish. 

Feb. 7, 1777. A ship of war of 36 guns, (the Niger) lay at the West end of 
Fisher's Island, and on the 3d hoisted sail, and the same day drove on shore at 
Narraganset beach A large schooner, a prize to the privateer, American Reve- 
nue, of New London, the schooner was from Ireland, laden with flour, bread, 
butter, &c., and two bales of linen, taken out by the privateer. After the prize 
was on shore, the British sent several boats to set her on fire, which they 
effected, but the fire was soon extinguished by the inhabitants collected on shore, 
with several cannon, by which they preserved the vessel, though an incessant 
fire from the ship-of-\var was kept up ; several of the enemy were killed ; the 
prize had 800 firkins of choice butter on board, &:c. 

Feb, 21, 1777. On the 16th of February, Capt. Clay, from Connecticut river, 
was drove on shore on Narraganset beach by two British frigates, who fired at 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 123 

Arnold and Silliman took post about two miles above the bridge. 
Soon after the enemy appeared in sight, their rear was attacked 
by Col. Huntington, (commanding a party of five hundred men,) 
who sent to Gen. Arnold for instructions, and for some officer to 
assist him. Gen. Silliman was ordered to his assistance. The 
enemy, finding our troops advantageously posted, made a halt 

his vessel, and sent barges to take possession of her, but were repulsed by the 
people on shore, who beat off the boats, wliich vessel afterwards arrived at 
Stoaington. 

On the 17th of February, several tories at Great Neck, (in New London) were JL 
found in traitorous acts, and taken into custody, and Pardon Tabor committed 
to jail, the others confined under a safe guard. 

On the 16th, a flag of truce went from New Loudon with prisoners, to the 
Amazon frigate, near Gardner's Island, who were exchanged for Capt. Palmer's 
people, who had been taken by the enemy. 

March 7, 1777. Capt. Bonticue, who sailed from New Haven January Ist, 
for Europe, was taken two days out, by the Union ship-of-war, and carried to 
Newport, where all but two were exchanged, one of whom, a native of New 
Haven, turned traitor, and joined the British. 

A British frigate and two or three tenders appeared in New Haven harbor, 
and in the night, one of her boats came close in to the Eastern point, but the 
guards being seen, the boat immediately made off. 

The unfortunate prisoners, forty-six in number, landed on the 3d of March 
from the Glasgow transport ship, (Capt. Craige) were buried at New Haven, 
and a list of their names published. 

March 14th, 1777. On the 8th of March, eleven sail of men-of-war and trans- 
ports, a part of the British fleet from Rhode Island, appeared at the West end 
of Fisher's Island standing westward, they drifted back of the point, and came 
to anchor, the next day made sail, and about noon anchored the North side of 
the Island, and on the 11th made sail to the eastward, the fleet being so near 
New London, the militia from the neighboring towns were ordered to New Lon- 
don for the defence of the harbor, among whom the Norwich light infantry com- 
pany, Col. C. Leffingwell, made a martial appearance ; and his men were 
neatly dressed in uniform. After the fleet left, Col. Lefiiingwell went to Fisher's 
Island with several boats to make discoveries. Mr, Brown a citizen of the Island 
informed him, that the fleet took 106 sheep, 8 oxen, 11 cows, 22 yearhngs, 26 
swine, 24 turkeys, 4' doz. fowls, 123 bushels of corn, 100 bushels of potatoes, 
5J tons of hay, wood, pork, bed clothes, sheets, ice. Szc. ; that the armed ships 
were the Amazon, Greyhound, and Lark, with seven transports ; that they 
landed three companies of British, and three companies of Hessian troops. Mr. 
Brown informed Col. Leffingwell that there were twenty ships at anchor in 
Gardner's bay, though but eleven could be discovered ; besides two ships then 
coming through Plumb Gut. The stock taken from the Island was mostly paid 
for by the British. 



124 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

and after some Iittl|ptinie, wheeled ofl" to the left, and forded 
Saugatuck river three miles above the bridge. Gen. Arnold, ob- 
serving this motion, ordered the whole to march directly for the 
bridge, in order to attack the enemy in flank ; — Gen. Silliman's 
division, at the same time, to attack their rear. The enemy, by 
running at full speed, had past the bridge on Fairfield side, with 

March 14, 1777. On the 8th of March, three men went from New London 
to Fisher's Island, in a sail boat after corn, as none could be purchased at New 
London, and while they were loading their boat at the Island, they discovered a 
number of troops landed on the Island ; they started for their boat to escape, but 
were pursued by the troops, and they reached the boat which lay about pistol f 
shot from the shore ; 300 men, in two divisions, had reached the shore, when an 
officer was ordered on shore, with a threat to fire upon them if they refused. 
The three men of the boat disregarded their threats and command, and began to 
hoist sail, the enemy fired at them, and continued their fire until the sail boat 
was out of their reach, being (about 15 minutes) they also attempted to reach 
tiiem in a sail boat which ran aground on a point ; the three men stated that 
at least one thousand shots were fired at them, and one hundred struck the boat, 
but neither of them were killed or hurt. 

March 21, 1777. A small sail boat owned by Samuel Beebe, of Stonington, 
was taken by a boat from the Amazon, in the sound, (Capt. Jacobs) the same 
day Beebe's boat, armed with two swivels, and twenty men with small arms, 
took the schooner Olive, (Bulkley master) loaded with 1600 bushels of salt, &c- 
On the 15th, the Amazon anchored without the light house, at New London, 
and sent a flag into Now London, to propose an exchange of prisoners — on the 
IGtii they landed Capt. Bulkley, his male, and Mr. C. Cunningham, (a passenger 
from New Haven on board the Olive) on Fisher's Island ; tho' said Cunningham 
sailed with Capt. Mansfield, and was taken within two hours sail of Marlinico. 
The prisoners were well treated by Capt. Jacobs, as they reported, entirely dif- 
ferent from most of his profession, who had been stationed on this coast ; 
among whom tho name of Wallace would long be remembered by hundreda 
who had felt and seen his savage conduct in firing upon single and defenceless 
houses, burning and destroying private properly, and the abuse of women and 
children, and those whom age had rendered incapable of resistance. 

Twonty.five torics from Long Island, landed near Norwalk ; went into tho 
country ; plundered a gentleman's house, took the owner (towards whom they 
owed a grudge) prisoner. On their return, they fell in with three ofiicers from 
the Saw Pits, whom they also made prisoners ; and a guard of men on the 
shore, and went to Long Island with the whole. 

March 28, 1777. Seventeen men of tho enemy landed from a tender and 
took a guard of fifteen militia, at Middlesex, by means of a cowardly militia 
captain (a few weeks previous to the above date.) 

A flag of truce with ten prisoners went from New London to Newport, and 
exchanged them for Capt. Tinker and his people, on board the Unicorn man. 
of.war, taken a short lime before ou their way from the West Indies to New 
Loudon. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, n77. 125 

their main body, before our troops could cross it. Gen. Silliman, 
finding it impossible to overtake the enemy in their rear, proceed- 
ed to the bridge, where the whole were formed. They marched 
in two columns, with two field pieces on the right, the other on 
the left of the enemy, when a smart skirmishing and firing of field 
pieces ensued, which continued about three hours. The enemy, 

Tlie sloop Polly, of Killingworlh, Capt. Griffin, was taken by the enemy in 
the West Indies. 

On the 27th, a British ship passed New London to tiie eastward. 

April 18, 1777. On the 12lh of April, about thirty sail of shipping, British 
men-of-war and transports, passed New London from Newport, towards New 
York ; the Monday after, a largo ship went down the sound, and another went 
up the sound. 

A large prize ship was taken by the American ship Defence, Capt. Smedley, 
and arrived at Bedford. The prize was reported to have 3.000 barrels of pro. 
visions on board. 

April 25, 1777. The armed brig Defence, (Capt. Smedley,) owned by this 
State, and the sloop American Revenue, (Capt. Cdamplin,) of New London, 
had arrived in a safe port from a cruise, and had taken four valuable prizes. 

Capt. Wattles, in a small sloop letter of marque, owned in Norwich, arrived 
at New London, who on his outward bound passage took a brig from Europe 
with a valuable cargo, which was sold in South Carolina. 

The Captain Stillman, Lewis and Lay, outward bound, from New London 
and Stoninglon, and one otTier vessel, were all taken by a British frigate near 
Block Island, on the 21st of April. 

May 2d, 1777. On the 19th of April, the prize brig Grog, Capt. Smedley'a 
third prize, arrived at Plymouth, which belonged to a fleet of thirty-two sail 
from Cork, bound to the West Indies. 

May 9th, 1777. A few days previous to the 5th of May, a number of lories 
from New Milford and other places, were committed to gaol in Hartford. 

On the 7th of May, several British ships were seen off New London harbor; 
and on the 9th and for several days previous, a British frigate had been plying 
up and down the souhd. 

May 23, 1777. Last week several persons in Norwich, Windham, and the 
North Parish of New London, were taken on suspicion of toryism, and some of 
them committed to gaol. 

Saturday last, a considerable number of ships and other vessels, with some 
flat bottomed boats, appeared off" Stamford. 

Wednesday last, about twenty sails of the enemy's ships went up the sound 
past New London. 

17 



126 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

having gained the ^ii hill of Compo, several attempts were 
made to dislodge them, but without effect. The enemy landed 
a number of fresh troops to cover their embarkation, which they 
effected a little before sunset ; weighed anchor immediately, and 
stood across the Sound for Huntington, on Long Island. 

" Our loss cannot be exactly ascertained, no return being made. 

Extract of a letter from Gen. Parsons to Governor Trumbull, dated Now 
Haven, May 30th, 1777. 

" I sincerely congratulate your Honor on the success of our arms on Long 
Island. Col. Meigs left Sachem's Head on Friday, at 1 o'clock, P. M., with a 
detachment of 160 men, officers included, and landed williin tiireo miles of Sag 
Harbor, about one at night; and having made tlie proper arrangement for attack- 
ing the enemy in five different places, proceeded in the greatest order and silence 
within twenty rods of the enemy, when they rushed on with fixed bayonets, 
upon the different barracks, guards, and quarters of the enemy ; while Capt. 
Troop, with a party under his command, at the same time, took possession of 
the wharves and vessels lying there. The alarm soon became general, and an 
incessant fire of grape and round shot was kept up from an armed schooner of 
twelve guns, which lay witliin 150 yards of the wharves, for near an hour; 
notwithstanding which, the party burnt all the vessels at the wharf, killed and 
captured all the men who belonged to them, destroyed about one hundred tons 
of hay, large quantities of grain, ten hogsheads of rum, and other West India 
goods, and secured all the soldiers who^were stationed there ; the prisoners are 
about ninety, among whom are Mr. Chew and Mr. Bell. I have the satisfaction 
of being informed that the officers and men, without exception, behaved with 
the greatest order and bravery, and not a man on our side either killed or 
wounded. 

•' Eleven vessels, great and small, were destroyed in the above affair, and the 
prisoners taken were about ono.third seamen, the others generally American 
recruits, and sent to Hartford." 

Last Tuesday, one brig, two schooners, and four sloops went up the sound 
past New London. 

Thursday se'nnight, Capt. Conklin, in a privateer sloop from New Lon- 
don, arrived at Bedford, from a cruise with a prize schooner, laden with 7,000 
gallons of rum. Capt. Conklin had before taken another schooner loaded with 
fish, which he sold in Guadaloupe. 

June 6, 1777. Tuesday last, two ships and a sloop went up the sound, 
passed New London. 

A sloop, Daniel Rice, master, owned in New London, was taken last week 
off Fairfield, by Capt. Hawley's privateer, and carried into Fairfield, on the pre- 
sumption she was bound to New York, as the sloop had taken in a cargo at 
Derby, and in the sound was standing for New York, with several tory passen. 
gers on board. Rice and his passengers were committed to Fairfield gaol. 
Three other small vessels were taken about the same lime and sent in at Black 
Rock, with thirteen absconding torics on board. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 127 

It is judged to be about sixty, killed and wounded. Among the 
former, there are — one Lieut. Colonel, one Captain, four subal- 
terns, and Dr. David Atwater, of New Haven, whose death is 
greatly lamented by his acquaintance. Among the number woun- 
ded, are Col. John Lamb, (of artillery,) Anan Bradley, and Timo- 
thy Gorham, (volunteers from New Haven,) though not mortally. 

June 20, 1777. Last Tuesday, a party of men from three British ships landed 
at Sachem's Head, in Guilford, three or four miles from the town, and burned a 
large dwelling house owned by Mr. Leete, and two barns; carried off several 
cattle, calves, and sheep ; the inhabitants being alarmed, the enemy made a short 
tarry. The next morning the three ships were seen to pass New London harbor. 

July 4, 1777. Last Wednesday, Capt. E. Rogers, in a small sloop, returned 
from Huntington, on Long Island, who went with a flag from New London, 
and delivered a British prisoner on board the ship Swan, on his return his vessel 
was boarded by a small sloop, a tender of tiie British sloop Halifax ; the com- 
mander put Capt. Rogers and his men into the vessel's hold, and proceeded to 
Huntington, Long Island, when in sight of the Swan, they released him after 
plundering him of $6, a pair of silver buckles, and two pair of breeches. 

New Haven, July 9lh, 1777. Last Sunday night, a number of the British 
landed four miles west of Norwalk, and took oflFover forty head of cattle ; and 
the next night attempted to land east of said town, but were prevented by the 
militia. 

July 18, 1777. Capt Bigelow, of Connecticut, was taken in the West Indies. 

Capt. Palmer, in a small privateer sloop from Stonington, was taken and 
carried into Newport. 

Last Saturday, a prize brig was sent into Now London by the sloop Trumbull, 
Capt. Henry Billings, with 5 or 6,000 pounds of coffee, &,c. Also by Ihe Trum- 
bull, a prize brig with 98 hogsheads of rum, sent into Marblehead. 

Capt. S. Champlin, in the sloop American Revenue, of New London, in com. 
pany with a small privateer, took a large ship with 439 hogsheads of sugar, and 
arrived safe in port. 

Last Tuesday, Gen. Prescott, taken prisoner in Rhode Island, was taken to 
Lebanon under guard. 

Capt. Stillman, of Connecticut, was taken and carried into New York. 
Tuesday last, a flag of truce sailed from New London for New York. 

July 25th, 1777. Last Sabbath about 6 o'clock in the afternoon, twenty- 
three sail of British ships appeared off" New London harbor, bound eastwaid 
under a fair breeze, which alarmed the inhabitants at Now London. Alarm 
guns were fired, and the troops got under arms, but the ships passed New Lon. 
don about sun set. 

Capt. Niles in the armed schooner Spy, who had been watching the above 
fleet from the time they came through Hurlgate, arrived at the mouth of the 



128 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

" The enemy's Io^ms judged to be double our number, and 
about twenty prisoners. The enemy, on this occasion, behaved 
with their usual barbarity — wantonly and cruelly murdering the 
wounded prisoners, who fell into their hands, and plundering the 
inhabitants, burning and destroying every thing in their way. — 
The enemy, before they left Fairfield, were joined by ten sail, 

harbor as the fleet passed by ; tlicy fired several shots at tho Spy, when near 
Goshen Reef, witliout injury. The ships were a fleet of victuallers, bound to 
England, under the Niger frigate, with many invalids on board. 

On Friday last, a flag returned to New London from Newport with several 
prisoners, sick by ill usage. 

August 1st, 1777. On Saturday, seven sail of British ships under convoy 
from Newport, passed New London, 

On Sunday, Capt. Niles, in the Spy, brought into New London an empty 
sloop of 80 tons ; in company with the above fleet, after wood on Long Island, 
and took another loaded with wood, taken by Capt's. Niles and Conklin. 

Capt. Jason Chester, in a small armed boat from Middlotown, in one week, 
took five sail of small coasting vessels, chiefly empty, and sent them into Con. 
necticut river. 

Capt. Champlin, of New London, took and sent into Boston, a brig laden 
with rum, also a largo schooner, part of a fleet of one hundred and sixty sail 
which had left St. Kitts. 

The prisoners who had arrived at New London from Newport, their whole 
clothing was not of the value of one farthing, and they were covered with lice, 
and nearly rotten with scurvy and putrid fever. They left a number of Amer- 
icans on board the prison ship, confined promiscuously in the hold, officers, 
privates, negroes, &c., and by turns were allowed to breathe God's free air 
upon deck, (occasionally in the day time,) but the hot rays of the sun beat upon 
the decks all day, which rendered the hold as hot as an oven ; and at evening 
were drove into the hold with gratings laid over them, and in this hot bath to 
remain until morning, twelve only were left there by the aforesaid prisoners 
from Connecticut; (Palmer and his crew were taken in armed vessels and could 
be exchanged only for such as had been so taken.) 

Prisoners allowance at Newport, viz. : for six men, twenty-four hours — Men. 
day, 1 qt. of oat meal, 23 lbs. of bread. Tuesday, 2 lbs, of beef, and 3 lbs. of 
flour. Wednesday, 2 lbs. of pork, and 1 qt. of pease. Thursday, 1 qt. of oat 
meal, and 3 lbs, of bread.. Friday, 2 lbs. of beef, and 3 lbs. of flour. Saturday, 
2 lbs. of pork, and 1 qt. of pease, (14 ounces to the pound.) 

New London, August 8, 1777, Last Saturday, a flag returned to New Lon- 
don with a number of poor, emaciated prisoners from Newport, Rhode Island; 
their appearance was enough to excite the commiseration of the most barbarous 
savages ; but tho hearts of the British appear callous to every sentiment of 
humanity. The brutal policy of the enemy, is to debilitate the bodies and ruin 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 129 

chiefly small vessels. Since the enemy went oflT, a number of 
disaffected persons, who, it is supposed, intended to join them, 
have been taken into custody." 

Gen. Wooster, who died of the wound which he received on 
the 27th of April, (in the affair of Danbury,) was one of the old- 
est and most experienced officers in the American service. He 

the constitutions of their prisoners, leaving only life enongh to answer an 
excliango ; though many have died in the operation, performed by starvation. 
Capt. Moses Arnold, of Cape Ann, died in two hours after taken on board the 
flag, and was buried at Stonington. Samuel Kilby, Nathan Solly, and Francia 
Irons, lay sick in New London, tiie others, feeble as they were, crawled from 
town to town towards their homes. Their meagre countenances confirm the 
scanty pittance which had reduced them. Just before tiie arrival of the flag 
along side of the prison sliip, Samuel Thompson, and the gunner of Captain 
Palmer's privateer, Edgarton, of Norwich, died by starvation. It was well 
asked, how long shall the States pay British seamen their wages, while prison, 
ers, give them their private ventures, and lay them under no restraints ; when 
should we retaliate, though "do good for evil" is a god. like virtue ; if justice 
requires it, should it not be done? Dreadful thought! indeed dreadful '. to an 
American to open something worse than an Inquisition, to torture the bodies of 
innocent men. 

A flag sailed from New London for Newport, with thirty British prisoners, 
on Monday last, and returned on Wednesday, with thirty American prisoners. 
Samuel Fish died soon after ho arrived in New London ; twenty-eeven of 
them crawled towards their homes. As the flag left the prison ship, Edward 
Williams, lieutenant of Capt. Palmer's privateer, and the cooper, died. 

Capt. Champlin, sent into a safe port, a prize schooner with 220 hogsheads of 
rum. 

New London, August 22, 1777. On Saturday evening, Capt. Tinker, in a 
small privateer, from East Iladdam ; a small sloop, John Harris, Master, and a 
large boat of Peter Rogers', of New London, were all drove on shore at Narra- 
gansett Beach by a British ship. Near the same time, a sloop, John Keeny, 
master and owner, of New London, was taken by a boat of a British man-of- 
war, but the men escaped in their small boat to Block Island. 

Three British ships appeared in the sound several days. 

Saturday last, a prize brig, taken by the ship Oliver Cromwell, was sent into 
a safe port, laden with beef, pork, butter, flour, &c., of 160 tons. 

The following is a letter sent by express to Gov. Trumbull, dated, «' In 
Council of Safety, Bennington, August 16th, 1777. Brig. Gen. Stark, of New 
Hampshire, with his brigade, together with the militia, two companies of 
rangers, raised by this State, with part of Col. Simon's regiment of militia, are 
now in action with a number of the enemy's troops, assembled near this place, 
which for some time has been very severe. We have in possession, taken from 



130 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

commanded the Cort^Riticut militia that were first marched to 
New York, in 1775, and had a subsequent command in Canada, 
in 1776. His loss was greatly lamented by his country. The 
following biographical notice has been published at a former pe- 
riod : 

" Gen. David Wooster was a native of Stratford, and was 

the enemy this day, four brass field pieces, ordnance, stores, &c,, and this 
minute five hundred prisoners have arrived. We have talten tlie ground, 
although fortified with inlrenchments, &-c., tliey were reinforced, made a 
second stand, and still continue the action. The loss on each side, is doubtless 
considerable — number not known. 

P. S. The second action took place about a mile from the first ; many of the 
enemy were killed ; took two hundred more prisoners, being in all seven hun. 
dred ; and in all five field pieces." 

New Haven, August 27, 1777. Monday morning the British Swan, and 
three tenders, came too, off Milford Farms, where they landed about forty men, 
supposed with the intention to take cattle, but on their approach were drove off 
by the owners; they remained about 20 minutes on shore, in which time they 
broke the windows and doors, &c., of Mr. Merwin's house, destroyed his beds, 
and furniture, &c., but upon the people's assembling they departed with great 
precipitation, and took with them two hogs, and a few cheeses. A few shots 
were exchanged after they were in their boats, without injury. 

Sept. 12th, 1777. Capt. Niles, in the schooner Spy, sent into New London, 
a fine sloop of 80 tons, laden with wood, which he took at anchor under the 
Long Island shore. 

Last Friday, was taken into Connecticut river, by two armed whale boats, 
from Middletown, two sloops, one of 50 tons, taken in Cow Boy, near New 
York, the other taken in the sound. 

On Saturday, two men who were detected in conveying tories to Long Island 
from Killingworlh, were committed to gaol in New London. 

Last Sabbath, eight sail of shipping under convoy, went down the sound. 

Near thirty sail of English shipping were seen last week, under Long Island 
shore, taking in wood. 

Tuesday last, a sloop of about 70 tons, was taken in the sound, by Captain 
Briggs, of Boston, and sent into New London. 

New London, Sept. 19th, 1777. Tuesday se'nnight the ship Oliver Crom- 
well, of Connecticut, took a prize ship into Boston ; she mounted sixteen car- 
riage guns, with fifty men, and several passengers — one of them, a captain of a 
fifty gun ship, and had on board quite a quantity of dollars and wrought plate. 

Capt, Conklin, in the privateer Revenge, of New London, took an English 
brig with 30 hogsheads of rum, &c., on board, which arrived safe in port. 
The prize a few days before spoke the Snow, with 427 hogsheads of rum on 
board, a prize to Capt. Staples, in a privateer, from New Haven. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 131 

born in 1711. He was educated at Yale College, and took his 
first degree in 1738. He commanded the sloop of war which 
conveyed the Connecticut troops in the expedition against Louis- 
burg, in 1745. This sloop, together with one from Rhode Island, 
which accompanied it on the expedition, engaged the " Renounce," 
a French frigate of 36 guns, which, although superior in force to 

Sept. 26, 1777. Last Monday, a fleet of twenty.one sail camo out of Gard- 
ner's Bay, among wliich were seven or eight ships, and went down the sound, 
bound to Newport. The same day a ship of 200 tons, prize to Capt. Conklin, 
arrived at Stonington, laden with 75,000 feet of mahogany, and 30 tons of 
logwood. 

About an hour after the last prize camo to anchor, Capt. Conklin was chased 
by a man-of-war and schooner of twelve guns, belonging to the last above fleet, 
and the English vessels in attempting to head Capt. Conklin and cut him off" 
from land, ran on Watch Hill reef, about one mile from Capt. Conklin, who 
came to anchor within Watch Point. A brisk fire was kept up between them 
for several hours ; and the man-of-war came to anchor just without the schooner 
to protect her against Capt. Conklin. The schooner remained on the reef 
until next morning, when the British set her on Are iu the hold, and then went 
on board the man-of-war's boat and left her, and she was soon blown up by her 
magazine. The guns, some small arms, and anchors were saved, and a man 
found dead by the side of her. Capt. Conklin escaped unhurt. 

New London, Oct. 3, 1777. Last Sunday, Capt. McGee, in a privateer sloop, 
sent into an eastern port, two prize brigs. 

New London, Oct. 10, 1777. Arrived in a safe port a valuable prize ship, 
laden with sugar and cotton, worth j£60,000, taken by the Alfred, Capt. Hinmanj 
and the Raleigh, Capt. Thompson, two ships of war. 

Last Friday, went up the sound a fleet of twenty sail from Newport, 

A large party of the enemy from New York, landed at Tarrytown, in the State 
of New York, and on the last Saturday marched ten miles eastward, when Gen's. 
Putnam and Parsons, (who were previously joined by the militia almost to a 
man, and several volunteer companies from the west part of Connecticut,) 
attacked the enemy so warmly that they retreated to their shipping on the North 
river, and the next day they went up to Peekskill, where they were again attacked. 

New London, Oct. 17, 1777. On the last Sabbath, the sloop Two Brothers, 
a privateer, T. Chester, captain, returned to New London, who in lat. 34, sufiered 
damage from a British transport ship, of superior force, and full of men. Capt. 
Chester had one killed and three wounded. 

And on Wednesday, thirty seamen taken in the Weymouth packet, by Capt. 
Harding, in the ship Oliver Cromwell, arrived in New London, who with fifteens^ 
other prisoners were sent in a flag to New York to be exchanged for an equal 
number of our men. 

New London, Oct. 24, 1777. Last Tuesday, a chain shot from the British, at 
the north end of Rhode Island, at our encampment, killed one man and wounded 
another from Connecticut. 



132 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

both her assailants, m^ compelled to sheer off, to avoid being 
captured. In the French war, he was appointed to the command 
of one of the regiments raised by this State for that service ; 
sustained the command during most of the war, and acquired the 
reputation of a faithful, brave, and good officer. From his mili- 
tary experience and character, and the reputation which he had 

The flag sent to New York from New London with prisoners, the night sho 
left New London was found on shore at Crane Neck on Long Island ; liiirty- 
seven of forty-five prisoners rose upon the captain, took the vessel, robbed her of 
her provisions and escaped to the Island to avoid the ships of war. The remain- 
der of the forty-five were taken on board the Scorpion, Capt. Brown, who pre- 
vented the flag from proceeding to New York. Complaints were made that a 
prison ship was not provided to confine the British prisoners, until the enemy 
should send a cartel to redeem them, 

A flag sailed from New London for Newport with. seven prisoners, last 
Wednesday, taken from the Weymouth packet ; two had escaped the previous 
night, supposed to have taken a boat for Long Island, 

New London, Oct. 31, 1777. Last Saturday, fifteen prisoners who were 
taken in an armed schooner in the North river .by a party of men in boats, were 
brought to Hartford, and committed to gaol ; and the next day one hundred and 
twenty British troops, and five Hessian officers, among whom was Col. Spade, 
arrived at Hartford, from Albany, taken at the northward, previous to the capit- 
ulation of Gen, Burgoyne. 

Deacon W. Hewitt, of Stonington, had in the troops fighting for the liberty of 
the States, two sons, who weie captains, three lieutenants, one ensign, and one a 
fifer, when the father was in the 67th year of his age. 

New London, Nov. 7, 1777. Last Tuesday, a frigate and three other vessels 
went down the sound with troops from New York to Newport. 

By a letter dated Horse Neck, Nov. 2d, 1777, it appears that a class of villains 
who were harbored at Westchester, N. Y., who had been accustomed the sea- 
son previous of plundering the unarmed inhabitants in the country, and had 
nearly ruined many respectable and wealthy families. Col. Smith with others 
formed a design to break up the the banditti, therefore they detached 150 men 
under Lieut. Col. Smith, of Col. Enos' regiment, with Captains Leavenworth 
and Ely, of Meigs' regiment, and Pettibone, of Enos', (on the 29th of October, 
1777,) on the 30th of October, they arrived at Wright's Mills, 18 miles from West- 
chester, and in the night marched to the place destined, and arrived there a little 
before day light ; divided into three parties, and surrounded most of the houses 
in the place ; and made prisoners of six of the enemy's light horsemen, about 
thirty of the band of horse theives and cow drivers, and six of the militia; took 
about forty cattle and horses, and about forty-five arms, and other articles of 
value ; burnt three vessels laden with provisions, for New York ; and then 
returned to Horse Neck, on the Ist of November, at 10 o'clock ; all which was 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 133 

acquired, he was appointed in 1775, at the commencement of the 
revolutionary war, commander of the Connecticut troops, and 
was subsequently made a Brigadier General in the continental 
army. This commission he soon resigned, and was afterwards 
appointed the first Major General of the militia of Connecticut. 
"In 1777, a party of the British, having landed at Compo, 

performed in about 10 hours, inclucLing- a march of 60 miles, witliin about 2 miles 
of the enemy's works, without any loss. Soon after a small party of Americans 
under the direction ofMaj. Brown, a volunteer, took two prisoners within a small 
distance of the enemy's lines, one of the British light horse, and one of Fanning's 
regiment. 

New London, Nov. 14th, 1777. Last Thursday, twenty sail of shipping left 
Newport for Gardner's Island, (after wood) under convoy of the Syren frigate 
of 28 guns, which ship with two others of the fluet, (a ship and schooner) in a 
gale of wind ran on sliore at the East side of Point Judith, which were taken 
by the troops on shore, who had several pieces of artillery, with near 200 prison- 
ers; one or two were killed onboard the vessels, and several wounded. The 
guns, stores, &:c., of the frigate were secured, and Sabbath morning they burnt 
the frigate. The remainder of the fleet proceeded to Gardner's Bay. — [Connect- 
icut Gazette.] 

Hartford, Nov. 18th, 1777. On Friday last, passed through this town, escorted 
by a party of light dragoons, the Hon. John Hancock, President of the American 
Congress, with his lady, on his way to Boston, after an absence, on public busi- 
ness, of more than two and a half years. 

New London, Dec. 19. Amongst other obstacles to impede our success, last 
Friday, the powder mill in Windham blew up, 

A pla.n was formed to bring off or destroy a magazine of military stores, which 
the British had at Shetocket, on Long Island, and to destroy some shipping of 
the enemy, loaded with timber at Southhold, Long Island. 

And on Tuesday before the 19th day of December, part of two battalions of 
troops embarked from Connecticut under convoy of the sloop Schuyler, the Spy 
and Mifflin schooners ; the next morning, before light the Faulkland, a British 
frigate, on her way from New York to Newport, found the Schuyler and two 
smaller vessels, when the latter ran on shore upon the Island, but the former run 
upon a spit of sand, called the Old Man's, and was taken with about sixty 
troops on board, among whom were the following officers, viz. : Colonels Ely 
and Webb, Capt. Buckland, Lieut. Riley, Ensign Mumford, Adjutant Hopkins, 
Quarter Master Starr, of Webb's battalion. Ensigns Niles and Abbott, Adjutant 
West. 

On Thursday, a party under Capt. Hart, marched to Southhold and were 
near making prisoners of Capt. Ayscough and over twenty men of the ship Swan, 
at a house in said Southhold ; but they hastened to their boats, being closely 
pursued, and as they were getting on board their boats they were fired upon 
and most of them killed or wounded; it was supposed Capt. Ayscough was killed, 
and seven marines and seamen were taken prisoners. The party staid several 
18 



134 REVOLUTIONARV WAR, 1777. 

and marched from th^pe to Danbury, for the purpose of destroy- 
ing the military stores at that place, belonging to the public, Gen. 
Wooster hastened to oppose them with such force as he could 
collect on the exigency of the occasion, which consisted of about 
three hundred men. With this inconsiderable force, he fell upon 
the British as they were retreating, — having accomplished the 

days on the Island ; the ships had left Southhold, and the magazine at Shetocket 
had been removed. 

New Lendon, Dec. 26, 1777. On Thanksgiving day, (last Thursday) a col- 
lection in the North Parish of New London, was taken for the benefit of our 
soldiers in the continental army, viz. : in cash, £26 12, 17 shirts, 14 pair of 
stockings, 4 coats, 7 jackets, 3 pair of breeches, 2 pair of drawers, 20 pair of 
mittens, 1 pair of trowsers, 7 pair of shoes, 1 pair of gloves, 2 felt hats, and 2 
linen handkerchiefs. 

Last Monday, a part of Col. Webb's battalion arrived in New London from 
Long Island, and marched for Peekskill. Col. Webb who was taken at Long 
Island, was sent to Newport, and in a few days, left on parole, and went to 
Wethersfield. 

A valuable prize ship from Scotland, taken by the continental brig Resistance, 
Capt. Chew, of New London, arrived in Boston. The sterling cost of her cargo 
being chiefly linens, was about £7,000. — [Green's Gazette.] 

As many of the soldiers who marched to New York and New Jersey, the three 
first years of the American revolution were from Connecticut, and were taken pris- 
oners by the British, and confined in prison ships, barns and other places, with- 
out food or fire, I insert to prove the inhuman treatment of the British to Amer- 
ican prisoners, two depositions (being two of many on hand) of unfortunate 
prisoners, 

Samuel Young being solemnly sworn, deposeth, that he was taken prisoner at 
fort Washington, by the English army, on Saturday, the 16th of November ; that 
he was carried a few miles with the other prisoners that night, and kept in some 
out houses until Monday, when they came to New York, and there were con- 
fined ; (that he and others, about 500) were in a stable, and that all this while 
had no victuals of any kind, till Monday night, which the enemy threw into the 
stable in a confused manner, as if to so many hogs, a quantity of biscuit in 
crumbs, mostly mouldy, and some of them crawling with maggots, which they 
were obliged to scramble for without any division ; that the next day they had a 
little pork given to each, which they were obliged to eat raw ; that afterwards, 
tliey got sometimes a bit of pork, and at other times, biscuit, pease and rice^ 
being confined two weeks in a church in New York ; that afterwards, they were 
carried on board a ship, where about 500 of them were confined below deck ; 
that during their confinement they suffered greatly with cold, not being allowed 
fire ; were treated with great indignity, insulted by soldiers, by the inhabitants 
of New York, by women, and even negroes ; that great numbers died in this 
confinement, three and four, and sometimes more, died in a day, and one day 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 135 

object of their incursion, and burned a considerable part of the 
town. A smart skirmish ensued, in which Gen. Wooster, while 
gallantly fighting in the van of his little party, was mortally 
wounded. Thi's event happened on the 27th of April, 1777, 
and he died on the 2d day of May following, at Danbury. A 
monument was voted to be erected to his memory, by Con- 
gress. 

" Gen. Wooster was a brave and good officer, an ardent pat- 
riot, possessed a respectable understanding, and in his various 
public and private relations, sustained a character distinguished 
for integrity, benevolence, and virtue." 

The following facts are related of the incursion of Danbury — 
"with greater particularity and by living witnesses : 

The citizens of Danbury were as patriotic during the revolu- 
tion, as those of any other town in the State — of course, the 
number of tories among them was small. Before the commence- 



nine, and that they are in frail health, occasioned by this barbarous treatment ; 
and many of those who were released died on the road home. 

Sworn before us, Dec. 15, 1776. 

SAM'L. YOUNG, 
WM. HOUSTON. 

Wm. Darlington, a private in Capt. Wallace's company of the flying camp, of 
Pennsylvania, on his solemn oath testified — That they, the prisoners, were very 
roughly used at Harlaem, on their way from fort Washington to New York ; that 
at New York 800 of them were stowed into a house, called New Bridewell ; 
that it was a cold, open house, the windows not glazed ; that on the Monday 
they received their provisions ; that they had not one mouthful from early on 
the unfortunate Saturday morning, until then; that then, and so on aflerwardsi 
their rations for three days, each individual, were one half pound of biscuit, half 
a pound of pork, a half pint of pease, half a gill of rice, and half an ounce of 
butter ; the whole not more than enough for one good meal ; that they were 
defrauded of this petty allowance, two days rations, each week ; that they had 
no straw or hay to lie on ; and no fuel, but one cart load, per week, for the 800 
men ; that at 9 of the clock at evening, the Hessian guards would come in and 
put out the fires, and lay on the poor prisoners with heavy clubs for sitting round 
the fire ; that the water was very bad, as well as their bread, beyond all com- 
parison bad, except once, good biscuit, and once good baker's bread ; that they 
began to die, like rotten sheep, with cold, hunger and dirt; that those prisoners 
who had any good wearing apparel, such as buckskin breeches, or good coats, 
were necessitated to sell them, to purchase bread to keep them alive ; that the 
enemy seemed to take a kind of infernal pleasure in their sufferings. 

Signed by WM. DARLINGTON. 



136 nEV(3LUT10NARY WAR, 1777. 

ment of hostilities, in^^rch, 1775, a company* of one hundred 
men, including officers, was enlisted in Danbury, for the service 
of the colonies, and joined a regiment of Connecticut state troops, 
commanded by Col. David Waterbury, some time in the month of 
May or early in June following. The regiment composed part 
of the army of Gen. Montgomery, in the northern campaign of 
that year. The company thus raised, was, in the first instance, 
marched to Stamford, where Col. Waterbury resided, and which 
was the place of rendezvous for the regiment. From thence 
their progress northward was slow, as they did not arrive at 
Half Moon Point, on the Hudson river, (Waterford,) until the 
latter part of the summer. They were employed in the siege of 
St. John's, a fort upon the river St. John's, about thirty miles 
from Montreal ; thence they proceeded, under Gen. Montgomery, 
to Montreal, which was immediately surrendered to the Ameri- 
can forces. Here their term of service expired, and they were 
discharged about the 1st of December. 

Many of these old soldiers have spoken of their services and 
sufferings, in this campaign, with tears in their eyes. On march- 
ing to join their regiment, they supposed they were parting from 
their families and friends forever, and their neighbors regarded 
them as an offering upon the altar of their country. On the Sun- 
day, previous to their departure, they marched in a body, dres- 
sed in their simple uniform, to the meeting-house, where an ap- 
propriate sermon was preached by the Rev. Ebenezer Baldwin, 
the minister of the Congregational church, and who was a broth- 
er of the Hon. Simeon Baldwin, of New Haven. The sermon 
is still spoken of as highly eloquent and patriotic. Notwithstand- 
ing they were employed in ten sieges, and were, through the 
campaign, exposed to great fatigues and hardships, every man of 
the company returned to his home*before the 1st of January fol- 
lowing. Four of them, including Daniel Hicock, the Ensign, 
lived to receive pensions under the act of Congress of June 7th, 
1832. One only, David Weed, is still living. His age is believ- 
ed to be about 92. 

Nor did their services cease with that campaign. So far as 
the history of each individual can now be traced, they entered 
the service in the campaign of 1776, without a single exception ; 

* A complete roll of this company is now in the Comptroller's Office, 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 137 

some in the regiments of State troops, and others in the conti- 
nental army. 

The Captain, (Noble Benedict,) commanded a company in a 
continental regiment, and was taken prisoner at fort Washington, 
in the State of New York, in November, 1776. At the same 
time, one-half of the company under his command, being with 
him, were taken prisoners — the other half of the company then 
being in fort Lee, on the other bank of the Hudson. The pri- 
soners, excepting officers, were confined in the sugar-house, in 
New York. The cruelties inflicted upon them, and the sufferings 
they endured, are the theme of conversation among their rela- 
tives to this day. All, excepting two only, died in prison — most 
of them from starvation. The detail of their sufferings, was 
communicated to their friends by the survivors, Sergt. Benedict 
and Stephen Bump ; Col. Joseph Barnum, the father of one 
of these sufferers, learned from them, that for many days, his 
son, having been deprived of food and drink, literally died of 
hunger, in the act of attempting to bite a brick, and with a piece 
of brick in his mouth. The feelings of this father were excited 
in the highest degree ; and many instances of the exhibition of 
it, are still often related by old persons. The very next day 
afterwards, he took his gun and went in pursuit of tories, to 
revenge on them the death of his son. After proceeding about 
two miles northward, he saw a tory at work upon his own land, 
he took deliberate aim, and shot him, wounding him severely, but 
not mortally. 

He had previously been a professedly pious man, — but fre- 
quently after the loss of his son, concluded his devotions in his 
family, by invoking a curse upon " old king George and his hell- 
ish crew." 

In the fall of the year 1776, the town was selected by the con- 
tinental officers, as a place of deposite for military stores ; and 
accordingly, during the ensuing winter, large quantities of flour, 
pork, and other provisions, w-ere collected and stored there ; and 
the destruction of this property was the object of Gen. Tryon, 
whose name, in consequence of his exploits, in effecting that ob- 
ject, has obtained an infamous notoriety in Connecticut. 

It is well known that Tryon landed at Compo, in the town of 
Fairfield, in the latter part of April, 1777, with a force of two 
thousand men, and marched directly to Danbury, a distance of 



138 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

about twenty-two nuJMs. They were conducted and guided from 
their place of landing to Danbury, by two young men, inhabi- 
tants of Danbury, Stephen Jarvis and Eli Benedict, and made 
their appearance in the village of the afternoon of Saturday, the 
2Gth of April, 1777. Mr. Silas Hamilton, a farmer residing in 
the north part of the town of Danbury, having heard after dinner 
on that day, that the British troops were approaching, resolved 
to save a piece of woolen cloth, belonging to him, which had 
been for some time in the hands of a clothier in the south part of 
the village ; he rode into town, took his cloth from the clothier, 
and had tied one end of the piece behind the saddle, as the advan- 
ced guard of the enemy made their appearance at the south end 
of main street. He mounted his horse, and put spurs to him. 
Three troopers, well mounted, immediately started in pur- 
suit. In running their horses about one hundred rods, they o\ner- 
took him, and shouted, " stop, old daddy ;" " not yet," said the 
old gentleman, and again whipped up his horse. The nearest 
trooper then aimed a blow at him, with his sword, but, at that 
moment, the cloth partially unrolling, one end of it fluttered in 
the breeze, and frightened the trooper's horse. Thus giving the 
old gentleman several rods the start. They pursued him again, 
for the distance of more than a mile ; but whenever they came 
within striking distance, the flying end of the cloth was in their 
way, and the old gentleman, having resolutely determined not to 
surrender himself, or to lose his cloth, finally escaped. As the 
head of the British column arrived at the court-house, four men 
stationed in the dweiling-house of Maj. Daniel Starr, a few rods 
distant, fired upon them from the windows and fled, but they 
were pursued and shot down ; their bodies were thrown into the 
house, and the house immediately burnt. This was the only inju- 
ry done to private property that day and the night following. — 
The whole population of the village, excepting a few tory fami- 
lies, made their escape to the adjoining towns, taking with them 
their moveable property. The Probate records were removed to 
l^ew Fairfield, and thus preserved ; but the Town records, by 
reason of the absence or negligence of the Town Clerk, remain- 
ed in his dwelling-house, which was burnt on the following day. 
The Legislature afterwards provided all the remedies for re- 
pairing the loss of the Town records, the case admitted of. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 139 

[Refer to the records of the General Assembly, for resolutions, 
concerning hfghway and titles to lands in Danbury.] 

Tryon established his head-quarters at the house of a bitter 
tory at the south end of the village, and near the public stores. 
All the other dwelling-houses in the village, were filled with Bri- 
tish troops, during the following night. The alarm was of course 
spread through the adjacent towns, and volunteers came flocking 
to the camp of the patriots, a short distance north of the village, 
through the night and the following day. The British sent out 
no detachments, and paid little or no attention to the small Amer- 
ican force in the vicinity, but spent the night in revelry and drun- 
kenness. 

Early on Sunday morning, the 27th, every dwelling-house in 
the town, was set on fire, excepting the houses of tories and one 
or two others ; and the enemy marched out of the town, while 
they were yet in flames. The rearguard, on leaving the town, 
■whether in pursuance of orders, is not known, set the Congrega- 
tional meeting-house on fire, but it was soon extinguished. Gen. 
Wooster, being in the vicinity, took command of the few Amer- 
ican troops which could be collected, and followed close upon 
the rear of the British army, harassing them considerably upon 
their march, south-westerly, towards Ridgefield, and in which 
pursuit he lost his life. He received the fatal wound about two 
miles north of the village of Ridgefield, while in the act of urg- 
ing on his men to the attack of a small force of British troops, 
who had been separated from the main body. The command 
then devolved upon Arnold, who conducted the pursuit with his 
usual impetuosity. On arriving at the village of Ridgefield, the 
rear of the enemy turned upon their pursuers, and there was a 
smart skirmish for about half an hour. In the conflict Arnold's 
horse was killed under him. While Arnold was struggling to re- 
lease his feet from the stirrups, a tory from New Fairfield, named 
Coon, advanced towards him, for the purpose of making him a 
prisoner, and said to him, " surrender — you are my prisoner," — 
" not yet," said Arnold, who at that moment having extricated 
himself from his fallen horse, drew a pistol from his holster, and 
shot his tory adversary dead upon the spot. 

The number killed in this skirmish exceeded forty : — those of 
their countrymen, who had aided, or given countenance to the 



140 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

enemy, and, who had^^ith worse than savage barbarity, destroy- 
ed and laid waste the dwelhngs of a peaceful community, and 
surrendered their friends and relations, could hardly expect to 
escape the popular indignation. But the men of that day rarely 
indulged their passions at the expense of the interests of their 
country. Accordingly, the only punishment inflicted upon their 
traitorous countrymen, by way of revenge, if revenge it would 
be called, was harmless. Soon after the retreat of the British 
troops, some fifteen or twenty young whigs, walked into the 
house, (then) lately occupied by Tryon as his head-quarters, in 
the evening, took the host, and carried him a short distance, to 
a stream of water, and gave him, what they called a thorough 
" ducMng." They used him the greater part of the night, and in 
that time immersed him as frequently as they deemed profitable. 
He was ever afterwards a worthy citizen. 

Benedict, one of the guides of the British, after the war, re- 
turned to the town, with the intention of residing there. But, as 
soon as his return was known, large numbers of the inhabitants 
collected in the neighborhood of his house, with the avowed in- 
tention of escorting him out of the town upon a rail. He had 
timely notice of their intention, and made his escape, and never 
afterwards returned to Danbury. 

The other guide, Jarvis, at the close of the war, went to re- 
side in Nova-Scotia. Many years afterwards he returned pri- 
vately to Danbury, on a visit to his relations. His being there, 
however, was soon known, and the inhabitants of the northern 
part of the town, turned out in the night to prepare to furnish 
Mm a coat of tar and feathers. They surrounded his father's 
house ; but one of his sisters happening to discover them, awa- 
kened and concealed him in an ash-oven. The house was search- 
ed, but as the ashes, under which he lay concealed, were not ex- 
amined, he escaped the punishment he so richly deserved. He 
fled to the British dominions, and resided either in Nova Scotia 
or Canada, until his death, which took place within two or three 
years past. 

The next most important operation of the campaign of 1777, 
was the successful aftair of Long Island, an account of which is 
given in a note, being a letter from Gen. Parsons, to Governor 
Trumbull, page 126, of this work. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 141 

There were four sessions of the General Assembly in 1777. 
The two regular sessions, in May and October ; one adjourned 
session in January, and one in August. 

There were eleven more regiments raised this season ; nine 
for the continental service, and two for the special defence of 
the State. The nine regiments raised for the continental ser- 



A SHORT BIOGRAPHY OF MAJOR GENERAL PARSONS. 

Major General Samuel Holden Parsons, was born at Lyme, in New London 
county, and State of Connecticut, May 14th, 1737 ; and was the third son of the 
Rev, Jonathan Parsons, a distinguished clergyman, who removed from Lyme to 
Nevvburyport, Mass., 1746. 

General Parsons was educated and graduated at Harvard University, in 1756. 

He read law at Lyme, with the Hon. Matthew Griswold, (aflervvards Governor 
of the State,) was admitted to the bar of New London county, February, 1759, 
and settled at Lyme in the practice of tlie law. 

At the age of twentj'-five, he was elected a member of the General Assembly 
of the colony of Connecticut, and was successively re-elected until his removal to 
New London, in 1774. 

In November, 1773, he was appointed " King's Attorney" for New London 
county, which office he resigned at the commencement of the revolutionary war, 
and as one of the "Committee of Correspondence" entered with zeal into the 
cause of the colonies against Great Britain. 

Soon after the battle of Lexington, some gentlemen of Connecticut, at the head 
of whom were Mr, Parsons, the Hon. Silas Deane, Gen. David Wooster, and 
others, formed the bold design of seizing the fortresses of Ticonderoga and 
Crown Point by surprise, and obtaining command of lakes George and Cham- 
plain. In order to execute the plan with secrecy and despatch, they borrowed 
on their individual credit, the requisite funds from the colonial Treasurer, raised 
a body of volunteers, and placed them under the command of Colonel Ethan 
Allen, who successfully conducted the enterprise — captured the forts and made 
prisoners of the garrison without the loss of a single man. The seizure of these 
posts was important in itself, and tended to inspire the Americans with new and 
additional confidence in themselves. 

On the 26th of April, 1775, Mr. Parsons was appointed Colonel of the 6th 
regiment, " raised for the special defence and safety of the colony," and soon 
after marched to Roxbury, where he continued until the British evacuated 
Boston, when he was ordered to New York. 

He was in the battle of Long Island, in August, 1776, and about that time was 
appointed by Congress, Brigadier General, and was with the army under General 
Washington, at the evacuation of New York. 

During the years 1777—8 and 9 a portion of the army was required to pro- 
tect the important posts upon the North river; General Parsons was with Gen. 
Putnam at Feekskill, ana from thence was frequently detached on various 
important expeditions. 

About the middle of May, 1777, returning to Peekskill, from Connecticut, 
with a body of recruits, and learning, while passing through New Haven, that the 
eneniy had collected a large quantity of forage and provisions at Sag Harbor, 
19 



142 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

vice, were severally ^■pnmanded by Col. Samuel Wyllys, of 
Hartford, Col. Samuel B. Webb, of Wethersfield, Col. Philip 
B. Bradley, of Ridgcfield, Col. Jedediah Huntington, of Norwich, 
Col. John Durkee, of Norwich, Col. John Douglass, of Plain- 
field, Col. Heman Swift, of Cornwall, Col. John Chandler, of 
Newtown, and Col. Return J. Meigs, of Middletown. 

for the supply of their army at New York ; General Parsons determined to seize 
the same, and for that purpose despatched Lieut. Col. Meigs, with about two 
hundred and thirty men, who completely effected the object of the expedition* 
and also burnt one of the enemy's armed vessels ; took ninety prisoners and 
recrossed the sound without the loss of a single man. The successful result of 
this enterprise proved the wisdom and good judgment with which it was designed, 
as well as the skill and valor displayed in its execution. 

In June, he marched from Peekskill to Middlebrook, N. J., to join the main 
army, where General Washington was encamped, apprehending an attack from 
General Howe, who, it was supposed, had designs on Philadelphia; but the 
enemy, being frustrated by the vigilance of Washington, and retiring from New 
Jersey, the continentals, under General Parsons, returned to the North river, 
where an attack was soon after made by Sir Henry Clinton. In the early part 
of October, advancing up the North river with a large force, the British general 
captured forts Montgomery and Clinton, and proceeded above the Highlands, 
compelling General Putnam, (who commanded at Peekskill,) to evacuate that 
post and forts Independence and Constitution, and retire to Fishkill. Here the 
American army was reinforced by the militia of Connecticut, New York and 
New Jersey, and General Parsons, by order of General Putnam, marched with 
two thousand men to Peekskill, and recovered and took possession of that post, 
with the passages in the Highlands. 

In the month of July, 1779, General Washington understanding that Governor 
Tryon had invaded Connecticut with twenty-six hundred British troops, for the 
purpose of penetrating the adjacent country, immediately directed Gen. Parsons 
(then in command near the Highlands) to hasten to the scene of action, with a 
view of giving confidence to his countrymen and guiding their efforts. Having 
placed himself at the head-of one hundred and fifty continental troops, assisted by 
considerable bodies of Connecticut militia, under General Erastus Wolcott, Gen. 
Parsons attacked the British in the morning of the 12th, immediately after their 
landing at Norwalk ; and although too weak to prevent the destruction of that 
town, he harassed and annoyed the enemy throughout the day in such a manner 
that they re-embarked and returned to Huntington bay for fresh supplies of 
artillery and re-enforcements of men. Governor Tryon being convinced that 
any further attempts to extend his depredations into the country, defended as it 
was, by a brave iand patriotic population, would be ineffectual, abandoned the 
undertaking and returned to New York, 

The following is a copy of a letter addressed by Governor Tryon to Generals 
Putnam and Parsons, a short time before invading Connecticut, with General 
Parsons' very caustic and pungent reply. 

New Yokk, June 18, 1779. 
Sir — By one of his Majesty's ships of war, which arrived here last night from 
Georgia, we have intelligence that the British forces were in possession of fort 



* REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 143 

The Connecticut continental troops, raised this season, were 
early in the field. They were chiefly assigned to the defence of 
the important military posts about the Highlands on the Hudson 
river. This great thorouglifare of communication between the 
northern, southern and middle States, was maintained through- 
out the war, mostly by Connecticut forces. 



Johnston, near Charlestovvn, the first of June. Surely it is time for rational 
Americans to wish for a reunion with the parent State, and to adopt such mea- 
sures as will most speedily eifect it. 

I am, sir, your very humble, obedient servant, 

WM. TRYON, M. G. 
To Gen. Putnam, or in his absence, to Gen. ParsOxNs. 

[Answer.] 

Camp, Highlands, Sept. 7, 1779. 

Sir, — I should have paid an earlier attention to your polite letter of the 18th 
of June, had I not entertained some hope of a personal interview with you, in 
your descents upon the defenceless towns of Connecticut, to execute your master's 
vengeance, upon the rebellious women and formidable host of boys and girls, who 
•were induced, by your insidious proclamations, to remain in those hapless places . 
and who, if they had been suffered to continue in the enjoyment of that peace 
their age and sex entitled them to expect from civilised nations, you undoubtedly 
supposed would prove the scourge of Britain's veteran troops, and pluck from 
you those laurels, with which that Jieri/ expedition so plentifully crowned you. 
But your sudden departure from J^onvalk, and the particular attention you paid 
to your personal safety, when at that place, and the prudent resolution you took, 
to suffer the town of Stamford to escape the conflagration, to which you had 
devoted Fairfield and Norwalk, prevented my wishes on this head ; this I hope 
will sufficiently apologize for my delay in answering your last letter. 

By letters from France, we have intelligence that His Catholic Majesty declared 
war against Great Britain in June last ; that the combined fleets of France and 
Spain, amountine to more than sixty sail of the line, have formed a junction^ 
and with twenty-five thousand land forces are meditating an important blow on 
the British dominions in Europe ; and that the grand fleet of Old England find it 
very inconvenient to venture far from their harbors. la the West Indies, Admiral 
Bvron having greaf/y suffered in a naval engagement, escaped with his ships in 
a "very shattered condition \.o St. Christopher's; and covered his fleet under the 
batteries on the shores, and has suffered himself to be insulted in the road of that 
Island by the French Admiral ; and Count D'Estaing after reducing the Islands 
of St. Vincent and Grenada to the obedience of France, defeating and disabling 
the British fleet, had sailed for Hispaniola ; where it is expected he will be 
joined by the Spanish fleet in those seas, and attack Jamaica. The storming 
your strong works at Stony Point, and capturing the garrison by our brave 
troops ; the brilliant successes of General Sullivan against your faithful friends 
and allies, the savages ; the surprise of Paulus Hook, by Major Lee ; the flight 
of General Provost from Carolina ; and your shamefully shutting yourselves up 
in New York, and the neighboring Islands, are so fully within your knowledge 
as scarcely to need repetitions. 



144 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

At the May session, ^k) regiments were ordered to be raised 
for the defence of the State. One of these regiments was com- 
manded' by Col. Roger Enos, of Windsor, and was stationed on 
the south-western border of the State, near Long Island sound. 
The other was commanded by Col. John Ely, of Saybrook. 



Surely it is time for Brilons to rouse from their delusive dreams of conquest, 
and pursue such systems of future conduct as will save their tottering empire 
from total destruction. 

I am, sir, your obedient servant, 

SAMUEL H. PARSONS. 
Major General Tryo.v. 

On the 29lh of Soptember, 1780, ho was appointed by General Washington, 
one of the Board of Genoial Officers, constiUiled and directed to sit ai West 
Point upon the examination and trial of Major Andre, Adjutant General of the 
British army. 

In October, 1780, he was appointed and commissioned by Congress as Major 
General, and succeeded General Putnam in the command of the Connecticut 
line of the continental army. 

During the latter part of the year 1780, the defenceless inhabitants upon the 
frontiers, bctv^een Greenwich and New York, had been much annoyed, and 
subjected to losses of property and great sufferings by the frequent incursions 
of the enemy stationed at Morrisania, (near the East river) and at Harlffim. 

On the 25th of January, 1781, General Parsons, having under his command 
a body of continental troops, determined to destroy the enemy's barracks, (which 
could not be re-built during the winter; and in that way afford some protection 
to tlie inhabitants near the lines ; with lliis view he proceeded by rapid marches 
to Westchester and Morrisania, and attacked the Biitish troops, who were 
unable to resist the ardent spirit of the An)er'icans, and after several actions ho 
effectually succeeded in the enterprise. About fifty of the enemy's huts were 
burnt; a bridge across Harlaem river under the protection of tlie enemy's 
redoubts, and a largo quantity of forage were destroyed. The loss of General 
Parsons was inconsiderable, not exceeding eight men killed; while that of the 
enemy was over fifty killed and fifty-two prisoners caplurod, with about eighty 
cattle and forty horses. 

The object of this enterprise being accomplished, the American troops 
retired, biinging ofl" the cattle, horses, and prisoners 

On the 5th of February, Congress passed a resolution requesting the Com. 
xnander-in-Chief to present to General Parsons, and the officers under his com. 
mand, the thanks of Congress for his judicious arrangements, and for the courage 
displayed by the officers and men under him on this occasion. 

In September, 1781, the Governor and Council of Safety of Connecticut, 
requested General Parsons to take under his command the State troops and 
coast guards raised for the protection of this State, together with such militia 
as should be ordered to the coast; and to dispose of this force in such manner 
as he should judge necessary to protect the inhabitants as far as practicable 
against the desultory expeditions of the enemy on the coast of this State. 

Having continued in the war until its close. General Parsons resumed the 
practice of law in Middletown ; was repeatedly a member of the Legislature 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 145 

The title of ' Excellency,' instead of * Honor,' was ordered to 
be given to the Governor. 

Jabez Huntington, of Norwich, was appointed Major General 
over the whole militia of the State, in place of Gen. David Woos- 
ter, deceased. Gen. James Wadsworth, of Durham, was ap- 
pointed second Major General, in place of Jabez Huntington, pro- 
moted. The Major Generals were authorized, on notice of the 
appearance of the enemy, by sea or land, to call out all or part 



from that place; and an active and infltionlial member of the Convention 
wliich assembled at Hartford, in January, 1788, and adopted the Constitution 
of the United States. 

In tlie latter part of the year 1785, he was appointed by Congress, a commis- 
sioner, with General Ricliard Butler, of Pittsburgh, and General George 
Rogers Clarke, of Kentucky, to hold a treaty with the western Indians, near 
the falls of Ohio, for the extinguishment of the aboriginal title to certain lands 
in tho north western territory of the United States. 

Tiie treaty was held near the moutli of the Great Miami, in January, 178G, 
and the, Indians tlien ceded to the United Slates a large and valuable tract of 
country embracing the site on wiiich Cincinnati is now built. 

llo was a member and for some time President of the Society of the Cincin- 
nati in Connecticut. 

In 1188, he was appointed and commissioned by Congress the first Judge 
of the norlli western territory, which llien included the present States of Ohio, 
Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan ; which office he held until his death. His 
associates were General James M. Varnum,.of Rhode Island, and tho Hon. 
John Cleves Symmes, of New Jersey. 

In 1789, he was appointed by the State of Connecticut, a commissioner, 
with Governor Oliver Wolcott, of Litchfield, (father of the late Governor Wol- 
cott,) and the Hon. James Davenport, of Stamford, to hold a treaty with the 
Wyandots and other tribes of Indians, for extinguishing their claims, to tho 
aboriginal title to the " Connecticut Western Reserve ;" and in the fall of 1789, 
he went into that country to meet some of the chiefs with a view to prelimi- 
nary arrangements for holding a treaty with them. While returning to his 
residence at Marietta, he was drowned in descending the rapids of the Big 
Beaver river, tiie 17tli of November, 1789 — aged 52 years. 

General Parsons was a distinguished member of the bar — possessed talents of 
a high order, and was an active and eflicient opposer of the arbitrary claims 
and pretensions of Great Britain over her colonies in North America. 

He engaged in the war of the revolution at its commencement, and served 
with reputation until its close. 

He filled various public places of great trust and importance at different 
periods of his life, the duties of which he discharged with acknowledged ability 
and fidelity. 

He was a man of ardent feelings — and like other gentlemen in public life, 
had some personal enemies — but his personal friends were numorous and 
warmly attached to him. > 



I 

146 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 

of the militia, with(^|pDrders from the Governor and Council, for 
the defence of this or the neighboring States. 

The militia, in 1777, enjoyed comparative repose ; not being 
subjected to those severe draughts which they had experienced in 
the preceding years. There were only three considerable requi- 
sitions of the standing militia during this year. The first was to 
Peekskill, under Brig. Gen. Ward, to reinforce the army on that 
station, under Gen. Putnam. The second was a draught of two 
regiments for the northern army. These regiments were com- 
manded by Col. Cook, of , and Col. Samuel McLellan, of 

Woodstock. Also, a regiment of light-horse, commanded by Maj. 
Elijah Hyde. 

In the ever-memorable victory of Saratoga, Connecticut had 
her full share of troops on the ground, and her officers and sol- 
diers fully sustained that high character for skill and bravery, 
which had been awarded to them in the previous campaigns. 

The last requisition of the militia this season, was for a bri- 
gade from the eastern section of the State, under the command 
of Brig. Gen. John Douglass, to aid Maj. Gen. Spencer in a pro- 
jected expedition against the enemy on Rhode Island. This ex- 
pedition was designed to take place in October, of that year, but 
failed from the badness of the weather, and other causes. 

In addition to the many other evils incident to a protracted and 
calamitous civil and foreign war, a spirit of monopoly and en- 
grossing of provisions, as well as other necessaries and luxuries, 
now prevailed to a most alarming extent. In order to check this 
demoralizing spirit of cupidity, the Legislature of Connecticut, 
at the October session of 1777, enacted a severe law against mo- 
nopoly, and the engrossing both of agricultural products and im- 
ported goods. The title of this act was as follows : " An Act to 
encourage fair dealing, and to restrain and punish sharpers and 
oppressors." 

The most important event in which Connecticut was concern- 
ed, in 1778, was the great and terrible calamity that 'overwhelm- 
ed the settlement beyond the Delaware — the massacre at Wyo- 
ming. The following article, describing that catastrophe, was 
published about that time : 

"July 20, 1778. — Since our last, many of the distressed refu- 
gees from Wyoming, who escaped the general massacre of the 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 147 

inhabitants, have passed this way, — from whom we have collect- 
ed the following account : — 

" The settlement consisted of the towns of Lackawana, Exe- 
ter, Kingston, Wilkesbarre, Plymouth, Nanticoak, Huntington, 
and Salem, each containing five miles square, and were in a flour- 
ishing condition. The lower towns were pretty full of inhabi- 
tants ; the land extremely good, and beautifully situated along 
both sides of the Susquehanna ; producing immense quantities of 
grain, &c. The settlement had lately supplied the continental 
army with five thousand bushels of grain, and the ground was 
loaded with the most promising crops of every kind. The set- 
tlement included upwards of one thousand families, which had 
furnished our army one thousand soldiers, besides garrisoning 
four forts in the towns of Lackawana, Exeter, Kingston, and 
Wilkesbarre. One of these forts was garrisoned by upwards of 
four hundred soldiers, chiefly militia, the principal officers in 
which, were Cols. Denison, and Zebulon Butler. The tories 
and inhabitants, had given some disturbance to these settlements 
last year, before Gen. Harkenrer's battle, near fort Stanwix, and 
our skirmishes soon after, when the enemy were dispersed, and 
the tories concealed themselves among our different settlements. 
The people had remained undisturbed during the rest of the year. 
About this time, the inhabitants, having discovered that many of 
the villainous tories who had stirred up the Indians, and been 
with them in fighting against us, were within the settlements, — 
twenty-seven of them, were, in January last, taken and secured, 
but were afterwards, for want of sufficient evidence, set at lib- 
erty. They immediately joined the enemy, and became active 
in raising in the Indians a spirit of hostility against us. The 
people had frequent intimations that the Indians had some mis- 
chievous design against them, but their fears were somewhat 
abated by the seeming solicitude of the Indians to preserve peace. 
They sent down, at different times, several parties with declara- 
tions of their peaceable disposition towards us. They were always 
dismissed with assurances that there was no design to disturb 
them. But one of those Indians, getting drunk, said that he and 
the other messengers were only sent to amuse the people in the 
, settlement ; but that the Indians intended, as soon as they were 
in order, to attack them. On this, the Indian men were confin- 
ed, and the women sent back with a flag. In March, appearan- 



148 REVOLUTIOiNARY WAR, 1778. 

ces became more a^phiing, and the scattered families, settled 
thirty miles up the river, were collected in. In April and May, 
strolling parties of Indians and torics, about thirty, and less in a 
company, made frequent incursions into the settlement, robbing 
and plundering the inhabitants. In June, several persons being 
at work on a form, from which the tory inhabitants had gone to 
the enemy, were attacked, and one man of them killed. Soon 
after, a woman, (wife of one of the twenty-seven tories before 
mentioned,) was killed, with her five children, by a party of to- 
ries and Indians, who plundered the house of every thing they 
could take away, and destroyed the rest. 

" On the 1st instant, (July) the whole body of the enemy, con- 
sisting, it is supposed of near 1600, about 300 of whom were 
thought to be Indians under their own chiefs ; the rest, tories, 
painted like them, except their officers, who were dressed like 
regulars ; the whole under the command of Col. John Butler, (a 
Connecticut tory, and cousin to Col. Z. Butler, the second in 
command in the settlement) came down near the upper fort, but 
concealed the greatest part of their number. Here they had a 
skirmish with the inhabitants, who took and killed two Indians, 
and lost ten of their own men, three of whom, they afterwards 
found killed, scalped, and mangled in the most inhuman manner. 

" Thursday, July 2. The enemy appeared on the mountains 
back of Kingston, where the women and children then fled into 
the fort. Most of the garrison at Exeter fort were tories, who 
treacherously gave it up to the enemy. The same night, after a 
little resistance, they took Lackawana fort, killed Squire Jenkins 
and his family, with several others, in a barbarous manner, and 
made prisoners of most of the women and children. A small 
number only escaped. 

" Friday, July 3. This morning, Col. Z. Butler, leaving a small 
number to guard the fort, (at Wilkesbarre) crossed the river with 
about 400 men, and marched into Kingston fort. The enemy 
sent in a flag, demanding a surrender of the fort in two hours. 
Col. Butler answered that he should not surrender, but was 
ready to receive them. They sent in a second flag, demanding 
an immediate surrender, otherwise, that the fort should be stormed, 
plundered, and burnt, with all its contents, in a few hours ; and 
said they had with them 300 men. Col. Z. Butler proposed a 
parley, which being agreed to, a place in Kingston was appointed 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 149 

for the meeting, to which Col. Z. Butler repaired, with 400 men, 
well armed : but finding nobody there, he proceeded to the foot 
of the mountain, where at a distance, he saw a flag, which, as 
he advanced, retired as if afraid, twenty or thirty rods. He fol- 
lowed, was led into an ambush, and partly surrounded by the 
enemy, who suddenly rose and fired upon him. Notwithstanding 
the great disproportion of sixteen hundred to four hundred, he 
and his men bravely stood and returned the fire for three-quarters 
of an hour, with such briskness and resolution that the enemy 
began to give way, and were on the point of retiring, when one 
of Col. Z. Butler's men, either through treachery or cowardice, 
cried out that the Colonel ordered a retreat. This caused a ces- 
sation of their fire, threw them into confusion, and a total rout 
ensued. The greatest part fled to the river, which they endeav- 
ored to pass to fort Wilkesbarre, the enemy pursuing them with 
the fury of devils. Many were lost or killed in the river, and no 
more than about seventy,* some of whom were wounded, escaped 
to Wilkesbarre. 

" Saturday morning, July 4. The enemy sent a hundred and 
sixty-nine scalps into fort Kingston, which they invested on the 
land side, and kept up a continual fire. This evening, Col. Z. 
Butler, with his family, quitted the fort, and went down the river. 
Col. Nathan Denison went with a flag to Exeter fort, to know of 
Col. John Butler what terms he would grant on a surrender. 
Butler answered, " the hatchet." Col. Denison returned to fort 
Kingston, which he defended till Sunday morning, when his men 
being nearly all killed or wounded, he could hold out no longer, 
and was obliged to surrender at discretion. The enemy took away 

* When the Americans marched out to meet Col. John Butler and his tories, 
&,c., they all stimulated themselves with s])irits. One of the soldiers, wiio had 
been habituated to use more than Iiis comradcF, had taken so freely of ihe bever- 
age, that he had not travelled far, before he was unable to proceed and crawled 
into the bushes by the way side and fell aslcisp, when tiie sevenly men fled. On 
their return, the soldier in the bush awoke, rubbed his eyes and discovering one 
of his neighbors running at full speed, and an Indian close beliind liim with liis 
uplifted hatchet, about to strike his fellow soldier, he drew up his gun and killed 
the Indian on the spot. The other Indians coming in the rear, and hearing the 
report from the buslics, and seeing one of their number fall, at once concluded 
there must be a large body of men lying in ambush to kill them as they passed, 
and therefore retreated, by which the seventy men were saved. A solitary 
instance of saving life by drunkenness. 
20 



150 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 

some of the unhappy jM»soners, and shutting up the rest in the 
houses, set fire to them, and they were all consumed together. 
These infernals then crossed the river to fort Wilkesbarre, which 
in a few moments surrendered at discretion. About seventy of 
the men who had enlisted in the continental service to defend the 
frontiers, they inhumanly butchered, with every circumstance of 
horrid cruelty, and then, shutting up the rest, with the women 
and children, in the houses, set fire to them, and they all perish- 
ed in the flames. After burning all the buildings in the fort, they 
proceeded to the destruction of every building and improvement, 
(except what belonged to some tories,) that came within their 
reach, in these once flourishing settlements, which they have ren- 
dered a scene of desolation and horror, almost beyond descrip- 
tion, parallel, or credibility. When these miscreants had destroy- 
ed the other improvements, they proceeded to destroy the crops 
on the ground. Great numbers of the cattle they shot and de- 
stroyed ; and cutting out the tongues of the others, left them to 
perish in misery. The course of these truly diabolical proceedings, 
was marked by many particular acts of distinguished enmity, — 
among which are the following: 

" The Captains James Bidlock, Robert Durkee, and Samuel 

/ Ransom, being made prisoners by the enemy, they stripped Capt. 
Bidlock, tied him to a tree, and stuck him full of sharp splinters 
of pine knots ; then piling a heap of pine knots around him, they 
set all on fire, put Durkee and Ransom into the fire, and held 
them down with pitchforks.<^Thomas Terry, (whose father was 
killed by the Indians, last Indian war,) with his own hands, killed 
his own mother, his father-in-law, his sisters, and their families. 

--^Partial Terry, the son of a man who bore a very respectable 
character, had several times sent his father word, that he ' hoped 
to wash his hands in his hearts hlood! Agreeable to such a hor- 
rid declaration, the monster, with his own hand, murdered his 
father, mother, brothers and sisters, stripped off their scalps, and 
cut off 1 lis father's head. 

" Col. Zebulon Butler is supposed to be the only officer escap- 
ed. It is said he had several times written to Congress and Gen. 
Washington, acquainting them with the danger the settlement 
was in, and requesting assistance ; but that he received no an- 
swer, except that, " he had no cause to fear, since the Indians 
were all for peace, and quite averse to war." However, he lately 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 151 

received a letter from Gen. Spaulding, acquainting him, that 
neither the Congress, nor Gen. Washington, had received any 
of his letters, which had been intercepted by the Pennsylvania 
tories, who, in all probability, acted in concert with these execra- 
ble miscreants, against Wyoming. It is reported that these 
wretches, after completing their horrid business at AVyoming, are 
going, or have gone, to Cherry Valley, and the parts adjacent. 

" We hear that a party of Infernals of the like kind, have, 
within this week or two, infested the parts about Leghawegh, near 
Rochester, on the Minisink road to Philadelphia, where a party 
of them, about forty in number, have plundered and burnt seve- 
ral houses, abused some people, and carried off three men. 

" The distress of the surviving inhabitants of that late flourish- 
ing settlement, are rendered striking objects of charity. Having 
escaped with little more than their lives, they could bring nothing 
with them, — hardly clothes to cover them, and nothing to eat. 
Many were two or three days without sustenance, and pregnant 
women were delivered in the woods. 

" This, it is hoped, will be the concluding scene of the trage- 
dy, acted by the British tyrant, and his murderous, diabolical em- 
issaries, in a part of his late kingdom, which he has justly forfeit- 
ed, and which is now forever departed from him." 

The able-bodied men of Wyoming were in the line of the 
army, and the settlement left unprotected, — the British, tories, 
and savages, came down upon and slaughtered the inhabi- 
tants — devastated the settlement with fire and sword, to the total 
loss of houses, barns, cattle, and the year's harvest, every thing 
but the naked soil. It was an exposed frontier, bordering on the 
Six Nations of Indians, numerous, fierce, and accustomed to 
war. From Tioga Point, where they could rendezvous, they 
could, in twenty-four hours, descend the Susquehannah in boats 
to Wyoming. Nearly the whole of the able-bodied men, fit to 
bear arms, had been called into the line, as continental troops, 
away from Wyoming ; which fact exasperated the British and 
savages, and they breathed vengeance against a settlement which 
had shewn so much spirit in the cause of liberty. Their defence- 
less situation could not be concealed, and would naturally invite 
aggression. The hope of weakening the army, by forcing a re- 
call of the veteran soldiers of Westmoreland, was probably 
their policy, which marked the new settlement an early victim. 



152 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 

The savages^were iri^^sscssion of a part of the town — Tioga 
Point and Sheshequin, the first, their rendezvous, when they in- 
tended descending the river, which in fact were parts of Connec- 
ticut. The battle fought by Gen. SulUvan, in 1779, with the In- 
dians, was within eight miles of the north line of the town — thus, 
indeed, were the inhabitants exposed. 

In July, 1778, Col. John Butler, the tory, descended the Sus- 
quehannah, with four hundred British and tories, and about seven 
hundred Indians. To defend the settlement against such a force 
was a half-raised company of Capt. D. Hewitt's, of about forty 
men, and the remains of one militia regiment, from which Gore's, 
and the two independent companies of Durkee and Ransom, had 
been enlisted. There were several forts at Wyoming. The 
name fort, might convey some idea of a place of strength and 
places of security, with walls and embrazures, and with mounted 
guns. But in all Westmoreland, there was but one cannon, and 
that a four-pounder, without any balls, kept at the Wilkesbarre 
fort, as an alarm gun. And their forts were built by placing logs 
on end in ditches, compactly together, surrounding a space for 
a retreat for the women and children, defended only by small 
arms, fired through loop holes between the standing logs. — 
Against such a force as the enemy had mustered, none of their 
forts could have stood one hour, before they would bo reduced 
to ashes and the inmates destroyed. Many of the aged men, 
not liable to do military duty, formed themselves into compa- 
nies, to garrison these feeble forts and give to the helpless such 
protection as they were able. 

Pittston, from its position, was immediately exposed ; no com- 
pany was retained for its defence. The company from Lacka- 
wack, being forty miles distant, was not expected. The Hunt- 
ington and Salem companies, twenty miles west, under Capt. 
John Franklin, did not arrive until the battle was over. The 
Wilkesbarre company assembled at Forty fort, on the Kingston 
side, under Capt. James Bidlock ; a company under Capt. Will- 
iam McKarrikan ; the Plymouth company, under Capt. Asaph 
Whittlesey ; the upper Wilkesbarre company, under Capt. R. G. 
Gore ; the Kingston company, under Capt Aholiab Buck, and a 
new partly-raised continental company, under Capt. D. Hewitt. 
Each and every of which Captains fell at the head of their com- 
panies. There was spirit and courage enough, but men and arms 



REVOLUTION AKY WxVR, 1778. 153 

were greatly deficient, being only about four hundred men and 
boys, including many under 16 years of age. The grand-fathers 
and grey-headed turned out to the muster. Constant Searle, for- 
merly of Stonington, had several children married and a family 
of grand-children. Capt. Hewrtt had a son in the battle, 18 or 
19 years of age. Boys were called into the companies to make 
a show of numbers. William Buck, (the son of Capt. A. Buck,) 
aged 14, was in the engagement, and fell with his father. These 
cases shew the distress and weakness to which the settlement 
was reduced, by their soldiers being absent in the army. 

Col. Zebulon Butler happened to be at Wyoming, and though 
he had no proper command, the people invited him to place him- 
self at their head, and lead them to battle, which invitation, out 
of duty, he accepted. Never was more courage displayed in the 
many scenes of the revolution, nor has history pourtrayed an 
instance of more gallant devotion. Though they were so situa- 
ted, they must fight and conquer, or die, for retreating with their 
families was impossible — like brave men they took counsel of their 
courage — and on the 3d day of July, 1778, as before stated, 
they marched out to meet the enemy. Col. Z. Butler command- 
ed the right wing, aided by Maj. Garrett : Col. Denlson the left 
wing, aided by Lieut. Col. George Dorrance, of Voluntown. 
The field of battle was a plane, partly cleared of timber, though 
mostly covered by scrub oaks and yellow pine ; their right rested 
on a steep bank, which descended to the low river flats ; the left 
extended to a marsh, thickly covered with timber and brush. — 
The enemy were composed of Col. John Butler, with his compa- 
ny of rangers, (in their green uniform,) and their tory allies and 
Indians. The enemy's right wing, opposed to Col. Denison, was 
mostly composed of Indians. It was between 4 and 5 o'clock, 
P. M., when the bloody engagement began, and for awhile it 
kept up with great spirit. 

On the right, in open field, our men fired and advanced a step, 
and the enemy gave back, but their numbers, three to one, ena- 
bled them to outflank the citizens, particularly on the left, where 
the ground was peculiarly fitted for savage warfare. The Ameri- 
cans rapidly fell before the Indian rifles : the rear as well as the 
flank was gained, and it became impossible to maintain their posi- 
tion. An order to fall back, to present a more imposing front to 
the enemy, could not be executed without confusion. The ene- 



154 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 

my, not more brave,Jp»t far more numerous and familiarized to 
war, in many battles, sprung forward, raised their horrid yell 
from one end of the line to the other, rushed in with their tom- 
ahawks and spears — defeat followed. They richly merited a 
better fate. One of the men yielded a little ground, — Col. Dor- 
ranee, a few moments before he fell, with his accustomed cool- 
ness, said to him, " stand up to your work, sir." 

After the enemy was in the rear, " see," said an officer to Capt. 
Hewitt, " the enemy is in force behind us, shall we retreat ?" 
" I'll be d — d if I do," he replied, and fell at the head of his 
men. • 

" We are nearly alone," said Westbrook, " shall we go ?" 
" I'll have one more shot first," replied Cooper ;" that instant a 
savage sprung towards him with his spear ; Cooper stretched 
him upon the earth, and re-loaded his gun before he left the 
ground. 

Then followed the most dreadful massacre, the most cruel 
and horrid slaughter, that took place in any State during the war. 
One of the Gore family was away in the army, five brothers and 
two brothers-in-law were in the battle ; at evening five of them 
lay dead on the field, one returned with his arm broken by a rifle 
ball, and one unhurt — Silas and Asa Gore, both (ensigns) fell ; 
the widow of Asa, with an infant son in her arms, fled on foot to 
Preston, where the orphan son resides. From the farm of a Mr. 
Weeks, (of Fairfield county) seven went out to the battle, five 
sons and sons-in-law, and two inmates — not one of them escaped, 
but all perished. About two-thirds of those who went out fell. 
John Abbott, of Windham county, was in the action and escaped, 
but was murdered by the Indians when trying to save a portion 
of his crop of harvest ; and his house, barn and furniture, were 
all burnt ; his cattle lost, his widow and nine children, the eldest 
a boy aged nine years, begged their way back to their friends in 
Windham county, in a state of utter destitution. Anderson Dana, 
Esq., had just returned from attending the General Assembly of 
Connecticut, (as a member) he went into the battle with Stephen 
Whiting, his son-in-law, wrapped in bloody garments, the field of 
death was the resting place of both ; the family fled, Anderson 
Dana, the son, nine or ten years old, their only protector ; their 
whole property was left to savage destruction ; they also begged 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 155 

their way to Ashford in this State ; the loss was estimated from 
two hundred and fifty to three hundred men. 

The day ^fter the massacre, Col. Z. Butler retired from the 
settlement, and Col. Denison entered into articles of capitulation 
with Col. John Butler, in which secOrity to the inhabitants was 
stipulated ; but the British commander, either could not or would 
not restrain the savages, who continued to rob and burn, and 
with very few exceptions, all the inhabitants were expelled from 
the valley, and their property given up a total prey to pillage and 
conflagration. It would be nearly impossible to estimate the 
amount of damage sustained, but the list of assessments in 
1777—8, amounted to £20,322 17; and in November, 1780, the 
list of Westmoreland, was £2,353, making the difference of 
£17,969 17. 

The miseraljle state of destitution in Wyoming, was such that 
in August, 1781, that all the males from sixteen to seventy years 
of age, were only 143; they all had but 24 yoke of oxen, 14 
three year old steers, 18 two year old steers and heifers ; while 
at the same time Connecticut counted sixty-one soldiers from 
Westmoreland in the army. 

It should be remarked here, that the people of Westmoreland 
were the greatest sufferers in this State, though not the least 
meritorious, but did not participate in the 500,000 acres of reserve 
lands, to indemnify the sufierers of New London, and other 
towns in Connecticut, who had been injured by the common 
enemy. When no part of the State drank more deeply of the 
afflictions of the revolution than Westmoreland, neither was the 
rich school fund of Connecticut divided with its fellow citizens 
at Wyoming, and though peace was made with Great Britain 
and the savages, it brought no peace to Wyoming, as they con- 
tinued to be harassed by new and distressing conflicts ; their 
chief men, soldiers in war, and their counsellors in peace were 
slain, and most of such as remained were widows and orphans. 
But the sufferings did not close with the bloody battle of July, 
1778. It appears by a manuscript journal kept by Col. John 
Jenkins, that in August, 1778, he joined Capt. Spalding's company, 
under Col. Butler, and marched on the 3d to Lehigh, and 4th 
to Wyoming, and found Indians driving off cattle, fired upon 
them and took the cattle with some horses. On the 5th had a 
skirmish with the Indians and took a number of blankets, &c. : 



156 REVOLUTIONARY AVAR, 1778. 

7th, began to fortify -^jj pickets, and continued till the 18th of 
August, when a partj^ were discovered on Jacobs' plains, where 
John Abbott and Isaac Williams were killed and scalped. On 
the 19th, a widow Utly and her son, were killed ; on the 22d, 
Esquire Tripp and Lieut. Keys, with six others, were taken 
prisoners, three of whom were released. September 14, Capt. 
Spalding marched with one hundred and thirty men to Muncy 
for an expedition up the river, and on the 29th were attacked by 
the Indians, and lost three men, but killed four Indians ; and on 
the 1st of October, they returned to Wyoming. On the 2d 
three of Col. Morrows' men were killed on the west side of the 
river, the fourth man was scalped, but he recovered ; Col. Hartly 
marched with a part of his troops for Shamokin, and began to 
work on the walls of the fort. On the 8th, Capt. Bush marched 
down with five prisoners. On the 14th, Wm, Jameson was 
killed near Capt, Stewarts. November 2d, the enemy at Slocum 
killed Nathan Kingsbury, and carried oft" two children. Nov. 5th, 
a party of the enemy at Nanticoke, burnt houses and grain, killed 
Jackson and Lester, and took off" or killed Franklin ; took Lester's 
family ; murdered Hagaman ;< took old Kelly, but dismissed him ; 
six fires at Lackawana, or near to it. Nov. 7, John Perkins was 
killed on the lower end of Shawney flats ; Captains Carr and 
Goss were killed. Dec. 16, Esquires Tripp and Slocum were 
killed in Town Plot, and Young Slocum wounded. On the 10th 
of February, the Indians came down on the west side of the 
river in Kingston, and killed Lieut. Buck, Lieut. Williams, Ste- 
phen Pettibone, and speared and scalped Follet, (who recovered.) 
March 21, 1779, the Indians were discovered on the west side 
of the river in Kingston, where they took Capt. Bidlock ; killed 
and carried oft" a number of horses and cattle ; burnt houses and 
barns, when a skirmish of two hours was fought, but lost no men, 
though several were shot through their clothes, and their ramrods 
shot out of their hands. On the 24th of March, a party were 
discovered on the side near the fort, which they surrounded, and 
an engagement ensued for three hours ; two men were wounded 
but soon recovered — the enemy withdrew in the evening after 
burning a number of houses, barns, grain, hay, i&c. On the 26th, 
a number were discovered on the west side of the river, burning 
and plundering. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 157 

Without recapitulating farther from the Journal of Col. Jen- 
kins, in this volume, I only add, that thus to the last of the war 
were the good people of Wyoming harassed, carried off by the 
Indians, tories and British, murdered and scalped.* 

* These facts are gathered from petitions to the General Assembly of Connec- 
ticut at different times. 



21 



AN 



EPITOME 



OF ALL THE ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF CONNEC- 
TICUT, FROM THE YEAR 1774, TO MAY SESSION, 1778, 
RELATING TO THE WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 



The General Assembly of tlio Colony of Connecticut, held on the second 
Thursday of May, at Hartford, being the 12th day of said month, and contin- 
ued in session until the 4th day of June, A. D. 1774. 

Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Governor. 

Hon. Matthew Griswold, Deputy Governor. 

Jabez Ilanilin, Shubael Conant, Elisha Sheldon, Eliphalet Dyer, Jabez Hun. 
tington, William Pitkin, Roger Sher.-nan, William S. Johnson, Abraham 
Davenport, Joseph Spencer, Oliver Wolcotl, James A. Hilihouse, Esq'rs., 
Assistants. 

This day bsing appointed by the Royal Charter and tiie lawo of this colony 
for the election of the public officers of the colonj', viz. : Governor, Deputy 
Governor, Assistants, Treasurer and Secretary ; proclamation was made in the 
manner accustomed, and then the votes of the freemen were given in to the 
persons appointed by the Assembly to receive, sort and count them, and to 
declare the names of such persons as should be chosen to any of the before 
mentioned offices according to law ; w hich persons so appointed were Jabez 
Hamlin, Shubael Conant, Elisha Sheldon, Eliphalet Dyer, Jabez Huntington, 
William Pitkin, Roger Sherman, Abraham Davenport, William Samuel John, 
son, Oliver Wolcolt, James Abraham Hilihouse, Esq'rs. Mr. Benjamin Payne, 
Mr. Titus Ilosmcr, Mr. Thomas Darling, Maj. James Wadsworth, Mr. Isaac 
Tracy, Mr. Thomas Mumford, Mr. Thomas Belding, Capt. Daniel Starr, Major 
Jedediah Elderkin, Mr. Samuel Craft, Mr. Joshua Porter, and Capt. Increase 
Mosely, who were all sworn to a faithful discharge of that trust. 
And the votes of the freemen being brought in, sorted, and counted — 
The Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, was chosen Governor of this colony for the 
year then ensuing. 

Hon. Matthew Griswold, was chosen Deputy Governor of this colony, for 
the year then ensuing. 



160 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1774. 

Jabez Hamlin, ShubaelApiant, Elisha Slioldon, Eliphalel Dyer, Jabcz Hun- 
tington, William Pitkin, Roger SliernKin, William Samuel Johnson, Abraham 
Davenjiort, Joscpii Spencer, Oliver VVolcolt, James Abraham Hillhouse, Esq'rs., 
were chosen Assistants for the year ensuing. 

John Lawrence, Esq., was chosen Treasurer. 

Georgo Wyllys, Esq., was chosen Secretary of " this colony for the year 
ensuing." 

When the oaths of office were administered, as prescribed by the laws of the 
colony, and by the act of Parliament, as made and passed in the fourtii year of 
the reign of His Majesty George the I'liird, to liie several officers chosen. 

Whereas the threatening aspect of Divine I'rovidence on the Liberties of the 
people and the dangers tliey were threatened with, called for humiliation and 
prayer to the God of all mercies to avert his judgments and save his people. 

Therefore it was Resolved by the Asseml)ly, That his Honor the Governor 
be and is hereby desired to issue a Proclamation for appointing a day of public 
Fasting and Prayer, to be observed throughout the colony, at such time as he 
with the advice of the Council, shall think most proper, to humble ourselves 
before God for our sins, and supplicate his mercies that he would avert his 
judgments which threaten us.* 

May, 1774, Charles Burrall was appointed colonel of the 14lh regiment, to 
fill the vacancy occasioned by the decease of Col. John Williams. 

Joshua Porter, lieutenant colonel, 14lh regiment, instead of Tiiotnas Chillen- 
den, removed out of the colony. 

Capt. Ebenezer Gay, of Sliaron, to be major of the 14th regiment, instead of 
Major Burrall, promoted. 

Oliver Wolcolt, Esq., to be colonel of the 17tli regiment. 
_ Ebenezer Norton, lo be lieutenant colonel of the 17th regiment. 

Epaphraa Sheldon, Esq., to be major of the 17tli regiment of militia, in this 
colony. 

Jonathan Pcttibone, Esq., colonel of the 18th regiment. 

Jonatlian Humphrey, Esq., lieutenant colonel of the 18th regiment. 

Abel Merrell, Esq., to be major of the 18lh regiment of militia, in tlie colony. 

At the October session, 1774, the following Resolution was passed, (without 
stating the cause) doubling the munitions of war— to wit, 

"Resolved by this Assembly, That the scviM-al towns in this colony be and 
are hereby ordered to provide as soo7i as may be, double the quantity of powder, 
ball and flints that Ihoy were heretofore by luvv obliged to provide, under the 
same directions and penalties as by law already provided."* 

lull volume of Colony Record, page 284 — 5; October, 1774 — By the IIouso 
of Representatives of the English colony of Connecticut, held on the second 
Thursday of May, 1774. 

*This Resolution appears to be the first recorded evidence, that indicates 
the dangers apprehended by this colony of the war of the revolution, and the 
first act of the Legislature, upon that subject, tiiough the subject matter is not 
openly declared, yet there is little doubt but the difficulties with the mother 
country were referred to in the above Resolutions. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1774. 161 

This House taking into consideration sundry acts of the British Parliament, 
in which the power and right to impose duties' and taxes upon his Majesty's 
Buhjects in the British colonies and plantations in America, for the purpose of 
raising a revenue oniy, are declared, attempted to be exercised, and in various 
ways enforced and carried into execulion, and especially a very late act in 
which pains and penalties are inflicted on the Capital of a neighboring province ; 
a precedent alaiming to every British colony in America, and which being 
adinitted and established, their lives, liberties and property are at the mercy of 
a tribunal where innocence may be punished, upon the accusation and evidence 
of wicked men, without defence, and without knowing its accusers, a precedent 
calculated to terrify them into silence and submission, whilst ihcy are stripped 
of their invaluable rights and liberties, do think it expedient, and their duty at 
this time, to renew tlieir claim to the rights, privileges and immunities of free 
born Englishmen, to which they are justly entitled, by the laws of nnture, by 
the royal grant and charier of his late majesty king Charles the Second, and by 
long and uninterrupted possession, and thereupon — 

Do Declare and Resolve as follows, to wit : — In the first place, We do most 
expressly declare, recognize and acknowledge llis Majesty king George the 
Third to be the lawful and rightful king of Great Britain, and all other his 
dominions and countries ; and that it is the indispensable duty of the people of 
this colony as being part of his majesty's dominion, always to bear faithful and 
true allegiance to his majesty, and him to defend to the utmost of their power 
against all attempts upon his person, crown and dignity. 

2d. That the subjects of his majesty in tliis colony ever have had, and of 
right ought to have and enjoy all the liberties, immunities, and privileges of free 
and natural born subjects within any of the dominions of our said king, his 
heirs and successors to all intents, constructions and purposes whatsoever, as 
fully and amply, as if they and every one of them were born within the realm 
of England ; that they have a property in their own estates, and are to be taxed 
by their own consent only, given in person or by Iheir representatives, and are 
not to bo disseized of their liberties or free customs, sentenced or condemned, 
but by lawful judgment of their peers, and that the said rights and imnmnities 
are recognized and confirmed to the inhabitants of this colony by the royal 
grant and charter aforesaid, and are their undoubted right to all intents, con- 
struction and purposes whatsoever. 

3d. That the only lawful representatives of the freemen of this colony, are 
the persons they elect to serve as members of the General Assembly thereof. 

4lh. That it is the just right and privilege of his majesty's leige subjects of 
this colony to be governed by their General Assembly in the article of taxing 
and internal policy, agreeable to the powers and privileges recognized and 
confirmed in the royal charter aforesaid, which they have enjoyed for more 
than a century past, and have neither forfeited, nor surrendered, but the same 
have been constantly recognized by the king and Parliament of Great Britain. 

5th. That the erecting new and annual courts of admiralty, and vesting them 
with extraordinary powers, above and not subject to the control of the com- 
mon law courts in this colony, to judge and determine in suits relating to the 
duties and forfeitures contained in said acts, foreign to the accustomed and 
established jurisdiction of the former courts of admiralty in America, is in the 
opinion of this House, highly dangerous to the liberties of his majesty's Ameri- 



162 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1774. 

can subjects, contrary ioJhm great charter of English liberty, and destructive 
of one of their most darling rights — that of trial by jury — which is justly 
esteemed one chief excellence of the British constitution, and a principal land, 
mark of English liberty. 

6th. That the apprehending and carrying persons beyond tho soa to be tried 
for any crime alleged to be committed within this colony, or subjecting them 
10 be tried by commissioners, or any court constituted by act of Parliament or 
otherwise within this colony, in a summary manner without a jury, is uncon- 
stitutional and subversive of the liberties and rights of the free subjects of this 
colony. 

7th. That any harbor or port duly opened and constituted, cannot be shut up 
and discharged but by an act of the Legislature of the province or colony in 
which such port or harbor is situated, without subverting the rights and liberties 
and destroying the property of his majesty's subjects. 

8th. That the late act of Parliament inflicting pains and penalties on the 
town of Boston, by blocking up their harbor, is a precedent justly alarming to 
the British colonics in America, and wholly inconsistant with, and subversive 
of, their constitutional rights and liberties. 

9lh. That whenever his majesty's service shall require the aid of tlie inhab. 
itants of this colony, the same fixed principles of loyalty as well as self-preser- 
vation which have hitherto induced us fully to comply with his majesty's 
requisitions, together with the deep sense we have of its being our indispensable 
duty, in the opinion of this House, will ever hold us under the strongest obli- 
gations which can ba given or desired, most cheerfully to grant his majesty 
from time to titnc our further proportion of men and money for the defence, 
protection, security and other services of the British American dominions. 

10th. That we look upon the well being and greatest security of this colony 
to depend (under God) on our connexion with Great Britain, which is ardently 
wished may continue to the latest posterity. And that it is the humble opinion 
of this House that the constitution of this colony being understood and prac- 
tised upon, as it has ever since it existed till very lately, is tho secret bond of 
union, confidence and mutual prosperity of our mother country and us, and the 
best foundation on which to build the good of the whole, whether considered 
in a civil, military or mercantile light, and of the truth of this opinion we are 
the more confident, as it is not founded on speculation only, but has been 
verified in fact, and by long experience, found to produce, according to our 
extent and other circumstances, as many loyal, virtuous and well governed 
subjects as any part of his majesty's dominions, and as truly zealous, and as 
warmly engaged to promote the best good and real glory of the grand whole 
which constitutes the British empire. 

11th. That it is an indispensable duty which we owe to our king, our coun- 
try, ourselves, and our posterity, by all lawful ways and means in our power 
to maintain, defend, and preserve these our rights and liberties, and to transmit 
them entire and inviolate to the latest generation — and that it is our fixed 
determination and unalterable resolution faithfully to discharge this our duty. 

In the Lower House. 

The foregoing Resolutions being read distinctly three several times and 
considered, were voted and passed with great unanimity. — And it is further 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. * 163 

voted and requested by the House, that the same be entered on the Records, 
and remain in the File of the General Assemblyof this colony. 

Test, William Williams, Clerk, D. R. 

In the Upper House. 

The consideration of the request of the Lower House, that the aforesaid 
Resolutions should be entered on the Records of the Assembly, &c., is referred 
to the General Assembly, to be holden at New Haven, on the second Thursday 
of October next. 

Test, George Wyllys, Secretary. 

General Assembly, on the second Thursday of October, A. D., 1774. 
In the Upper House. 

On further consideration, &c., it is agreed and consented to, that the fore, 
going Resolutions, according to the request of the Lower House, be entered on 
the Record, and remain on the File of the General Assembly of this colony. 
Test, George Wyllys, Secretary. 

At the March Term of the General Assembly, 1775, the following officers 
were commissioned for the several military offices attached to each, most of 
whom afterwards proved themselves the flower of the American army, viz. :— 

Jedediah Eldcrkin, to be colonel of the 15th regiment of militia. 

Experience Storrs, to be lieutenant colonel of the 15th regiment. * 

Thomas Brown, to be major of the 15th regiment. 

Increase Mosely, Jr., to be lieutenant colonel of the 13tli regiment. 

Samuel Canfield, to be major of the 13lh regiment. 

Matthew Talcott, to be lieutenant colonel of the 6th regiment. 

Thomas Belding, of Wethersfield, major of 6th regiment. 

Andrew Ward, Jr., to be colonel of the 7th regiment. 

Isaac Lee, Jr., to be colonel of the 15th regiment. 

Fisher Gay, to be lieutenant colonel of the 15th regiment. 

Simeon Strong, to be major of the 15th regiment. 

William Worthington, to be lieutenant colonel of the 7th regiment. 

Silvanus Graves, to be major of the 7th regiment, 

Charles Webb, to be colonel of the 9th regiment. 

David Waterbury, Jr., to be lieutenant colonel of the 9th regiment — all of 
the militia of the colony of Connecticut. 

At the April Term of the General Assembly, 1775, a Resolution was passed, 
that an embargo should be forthwith laid upon the exportation out of the 
colony by any water carriage, of the following articles, viz. : — " Wheat, rye, 
Indian corn, pork, beef, live cattle, peas and beans, bread, flour, and every 
kind of meat, except necessary stores for vessels, bound to ssa." And the 
Governor was desired to issue his proclamntion laying such embargo, and pro- 
hibiting the exportation of such provisions, which embargo was ordered to con- 
tinue until the 20th day of May then next. 

As clouds of danger were constantly now gathering over this country from 
the throne, it became necessary to preparo to meet the crisis, particularly to be 
able to communicate with each other in the difl'erent parts of the colony, over 
a mountainous and rough country, and rougher roads. To do which, tho 
Legislature passed a resolution at said April term, that Thaddeus Burr, of 



164 REVOLUTIOiNARY WAR, 1775. 

Fairfield, and Charles Church Chandicr, of Woodstock, at the expense of the 
colony, slioald employ tw^^evvs carriers to perform regular stages from Fair- 
field to Woodstock, and from Woodstock to Fairfield, so as to arrive in Hartford 
each Saturday, and forward all proper intelligence, through the country, to and 
from the towns mentioned, with all convenient speed. Also that Gurdon Sal. 
tonstall, of New London, should engage two news carriers at the expense of 
the colony, to perform regular stages from Woodstock to New Haven, on the 
Fairfield stage, in such manner that they sliould severally arrive in New Lon- 
don on each Saturday, and forward all their inloiligence on every Monday 
morning to Woodstock and New Haven. Also that Thaddeus Burr and C. C. 
Chandler, and said Saltonstali, should be a committee to forward at the public 
expense, all such extraordinary and important intelligence which should be 
received at either place, as should to the committee appear proper and neces. 
sary, which act was to be continued in force until the session of the General 
Assembly in May, and no longer. 

It had been represented to the Assembly that sundry acts of hostility and 
violence had lately been committed in Massachusetts Bay, by which many 
lives had been lost, and that some inhabitants of this colony had gone to the 
relief of those who were in distress at the Bay. It was Resolved by the Assem. 
bly, that Capt. Joseph Trumbull and Amasa Keycs, should be a committee to 
procure provisions for the families of those who had gone to the relief of the 
people at the Bay, and to superintend the delivery and apportioning the same 
among them.* 

Soon after, during the session in April, the Legislature, finding it prudent 
and necessary to make open preparation, passed an act for assembling, equip, 
ping, &c., a number of the inhabitants of the colony, for tlie special defence 
and safety thereof, viz. : that one-fourth part of the militia of the colony should 
bo forthwith enlisted, equipped, accoutred and assembled for the safety and 
defence of the colony and under the order of the Assembly, and to be distri. 
buted into companies of one hundred men each — formed into six regiments, 
under the command of a major general, assisted by two brigadier generals, 
each of which general oflicers were to take the command of a regiment as 
colonel ; and each regiment to be commanded by a colonel, lieutenant colonel, 
and major ; also to command a company as captain — and each general officer to 
be assisted by two majors to his regiment, together with one captain, two 
lieutenants, and an ensign ; also one adjutant, one quarter master, one chap, 
lain, one surgeon, and two surgeon's mates to each regiment, enlisted during 
the pleasure of this Assembly, not exceeding seven months; giving a premium 
of 52s. per man, advanced to each non-commissioned officer and inhabitant 
upon his enlistment, if they supplied themselves with a blanket, knapsack, 
clothing, &.C., to the acceptance of their captains, and one month advance pay 
should be made to each of said officers and enlisted inliabitants. 

The Legislature established the rale of pay per each callendar month, viz. : to 
the major general, £20; brigadier general, £17; colonel, £15; lieutenant 



* The above resolution shews with what cautious steps the Legislature moved, 
they dare not nientiou even the name of Lexington, as our own act for treason 
was yet unrepealed. The words used by the Legislature shew the true yankeo 
character. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 165 

colonel, .£12; major, £10 ; captain, £6; licuienant, £4 ; ensign, i;3 ; adju- 
tant, £5 10 ; quartei- master, £3 ; chaplain, £Q ; surgeon, £7 10 ; surgeon's 
mate, £1 ; sergeant, £2 8 ; corporal, £2 4 ; filer and drummer, £2 4 ; and 
each private, £2. 

It was farther enacted that those so enlii^tcd should be furnished with good 
fire arms, belonging to the colony, if tiiey werO'^unable to furnish tliemselves ; 
and if they found their own arms, to be paid 10s. for the use of sucii arms. — 
And in case that more arms should be required, arms were to be impressed from 
householders not enrolled ; ten shillings was awarded to all such as freely hired 
their guns, cartouch box and bayonet for the soldiers. — And it was farther 
enacted that 3,000 stand of arms should be procured as soon as might be, and 
held in readiness for use for the defence of the colony ; also was ordered 500 
spades, as many pick-axes, 300 narrow axes, and 500 tents for tlie use of the 
colony. 

To encourage the inhabitants to enlist in defence of tlioir country aa speedily 
as possible, a premium of 52s. was to bo pnid at the time of enlistment, and one 
months advanced pay, and the wages raised of all concerned during tlieir con- 
tinuance in service ; and if their arms should be lost in service, by accident, the 
colony was to pay the just value of such arms ; also that each so enlisted should 
bo entitled to six pence per day for billeting money, until provided for by the 
colony stores. 

It was also resolved that the 3,000 arms ordered to bo procured for the colony, 
should measure each barrel, three feet ten inches, diameter of the bore three, 
fourths of an inch ; bayonet blade, fourteen inches long, &c., with iron ram- 
rods, and a spring in the lowest loop to secure the rods, a good lock and stock, 
well mounted with brass, and the name of the maker on it. 

The Legislature during said session afso constituted forms of eniistment for 
all general, stafl", and other officers ; and the Governor was desired and empow. 
ored to sign and deliver ordcfs to the respective officers appointed to enlist 
men for the service, and for the purposes set forth in said order on record. 

Immediately after the laws specified before and during the same session in 
April, 1775, the officers for six regiments were appointed to take the com. 
mand of the enlisted troops for the defence of tlio colony ; when the Governor 
was desired and authorized to commission said officers according to their rank, 
and warrants for the staff", as follows, viz. : 

David Wooster, Esq., to be major general. 

Joseph Spencer, Esq., brigadier general. 

Israel Putnam, Esq., second brigadier general. 

FIRST REGIMENT. 

Major general David Wooster, colonel of the 1st regiment, and captain of 
1st con>pany. 

1st company, 1st regiment — Jesse Leavenworth, 1st lieutenant ; James Blake- 
ly, 2d lieutenant; Amos Shepard, ensign. 

Andrew Ward, Jr., Esq., lieutenant colonel of the Ist regiment, and captain 
of 2d company. 

2d company, 1st regiment— Stephen Hall, 1st lieutenant; Jehul Meigs, Jr. 
2d lieutenant; Augustus Collins, ensign. 

Jabez Thompson, 1st major of the 1st regiment, and captain of 3d company. 

3d company, 1st regiment — Bradford Steel, 1st lieutenant; Ambrose Hind, 
2d lieutenant ; Nathan Pierson, ensign. 
22 



166 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

David Welch, 2d major ^|iho 1st regiment, and 2d captain of 4th company. 

4lh company, 1st regiment — Bezaleel Beebo, 1st lieutenant ; Aaron Foot, 2d 
lieutenant; Tiiomas Callin, ensign. 

5lh company, 1st regiment — Benedict Arnold, captain ; Caleb Trowbridge, 
1st lieutenant; Jesse Curtis, 2J lieutenant; Nathan Edwards, ensign. 

6lh company, 1st regiment — William Douglass, captain; Samuel Blackman, 
Jr., 1st lieutenant ; Jared Robertson, 2d lieutenant; Ebenezer Trusdcl, ensign. 

7th company, 1st regiment — Isaac Cooper, Jr., captain ; John Hough, 1st 
lieutenant; Thomas Shepard, 2d lieutenant; James Peck, ensign. 

8th company, 1st regiment — Phineas Porler, captain ; Stephen Matthews, 1st 
lieutenant; Isaac Brownson, 2d lieutenant; David Smith, ensign. 

9Lh company, 1st regiment — James Arnold captain ; Samuel Wilmott, 1st 
lieutenant; Nathaniel Bunnell, 2d lieutenant; Philemon Potter, ensign. 

10th company, 1st regiment — Samuel Peck, Jr., captain ; John Fowler, Jr., 
1st lieutenant ; Israel Terrell, 2d lieutenant ; Daniel Doolittle, ensign. 

This Assembly do appoint Rev. Benjamin Trumbull, chaplain for the Ist 
regiment. 

Jared Potter, surgeon. 

Levi Ives and Isaac Chalker, surgeon's mates. 

SECOND REGIMENT. 

This Assembly do appoint Joseph Spencer, colonel of the 2d regiment and 
captain of 1st company. 

1st company — Samuel Cone, Jr., Ist lieutenant ; James Smith, 2d lieutenant ; 
Joel Arnold, ensign. 

Samuel Wyllys, lieutenant colonel, and captain of 2d company, 

2d company — Ezekiel Scott, 1st lieutenant ; Samuel Cooper, 2d lieutenant ; 
Marcus Cole, ensign. 

Roger Enos, Isl major, and captain of 3d company. 

3d company — Elijah Robinson, 1st lieutenant; Silas Blodget, 2d lieutenant; 
Benjamin Farlee, ensign. 

Return J. Meigs, 2d major, and captain of 4th company. 

4th company — Elijah Blackman, 1st lieutenant; Ebenezer Sumner, 2d lieu- 
tenant ; Joseph Savage, ensign. 

5th company — Solomon Willes, captain ; Jonathan Parker, 1st lieutenant ; 
Samuel Fitch, Jr., 2d lieutenant ; Noah Chapin, ensign. 

6lh company — Noadiah Hooker, captain; Peter Curtiss, 1st lieutenant; 
Joseph Byington, 2d lieutenant; Amos Wadsworlh, ensign. 

7lh company — Abel Pettibone, captain ; Amasa Mills, 1st lieutenant; Joseph 
Forward, 2d lieutenant ; Jonathan Pettibone, cnsij/n. 

9lh company — John Chester, captain; Barnabas Dean, 1st lieutenant; Ste- 
phen Goodrich, 2d lieulenant; Charles Butler, ensign. 

10th company — John Marman, cnptain ; Samuel Wright, 1st lieutenant ; 
Consider Willeston, 2d lieutenant ; Oliver Hanchet, ensign. 

8lh company — Levi Welles, captain ; James Ransom, 1st lieutenant ; John 
Isham, 2d lieutenant ; Samuel Palmer, ensign. 

Rev. Benjamin Boardnian, chaplain. 

William Jepson, surgeon. 

Daniel Southmayd and John Richard Walrous, surgeon's mates. 



REVOLUTIOINARY WAR, 1775. 167 

THIRD REGIMENT. 

This Assembly do appoint Israel Putnam, colonel of the 3d regiment, and 
captain of 1st company. 

1st company — Jonathan Kiiigsley, 1st lieutenant ; Thomas Grosvenor, 2(1 
lieutenant; Elijah Loomis, ensign. 

Experience Storrs, lieutenant colonel, and captain of 2d company. 

2d company — James Dana, 1st lieutenant ; Ebenezer Gray, 2d lieutenant ; 
Isaac Farewell, ensign. 

John Durkee, major, and captain of 3d company. 

3d company — Joshua Huntington, 1st lieutenant; Jacobus Delbet, 2d lieu, 
tenant ; Lemuel Bingham, ensign. 

Obadiah Johnson, 2d major, and captain of 4th company. 

4lh company — Ephraim Lyon, 1st lieutenant; Wells Clift, 2d lieutenant; 
Isaac Hide, Jr , ensign. 

5th company — Thomas Knowlton, Jr., captain; Reuben Marcey, 1st lieuten. 
ant; John Keyes, 2d lieutenant; Daniel Allen, Jr., ensign. 

6th company — James Clark, captain ; Daniel Tilden, 1st lieutenant ; Andrew 
Filch, 2d lieutenant; Thomas Bell, ensign. 

7lh company — Ephraim Manning, captain ; Stephen Lyon, 1st lieutenant ; 
Asa Morris, 2d lieutenant ; William Irisseli, ensign. 

Sth company— Joseph Elliott, captain ; Bcnoni Cutler, 1st lieutenant ; Daniel 
Waters, 2d lieutenant ; Comfort Day, ensign. 

9th company — Ebenezer Mosely, captain ; Stephen Brown, 1st lieutenant ; 
Melaliah Bingham, 2d lieutenant ; Nathaniel Wales, ensign. 

lOtli company— Israel Putnam, Jr., captain ; Samuel Robinson, Jr., 1st lieu, 
tenant ; Amos Avery, 2d lieutenant ; Caleb Stanley, ensign. 

Rev. Abiel Leonard, chaplain. 

John Spalding, surgeon. 

Fenuel Cheeny and Elijah Adams, surgeon's mates. ^ 

FOURTH REGIMENT. 

This Assembly do appoint Benjamin Hinman, colonel of the 4th regiment, 
and captain of the 1st company. 

1st company — David Hinman, 1st lieutenant ; Benjamin Hungerford, 2d 
lieutenant ; Asahcl Hurd, ensign. 

George Pitkin, lieutenant colonel, and captain of 2d company. 

2d company — Isaac Fellows, 1st lieutenant ; David Bissell, 2d lieutenant; 
Edward Payne, ensign. 

Samuel Ellmoro, major, and captain of 3d company. 

3d company — Amos Chappel, Ist lieutenant ; Oliver Parmaly, 2d lieutenant; 
Moses Shepard, ensign. 

4lh company — Nathaniel Bull, captain ; Timothy Holconib, 1st lieutenant ; 
Luther Stoddard, 2d lieulenant; Nathan Dawsey, ensign. 

5th company — Shubacl Griswold, captain ; Benjamin Mills, 1st lieutenant ; 
Aaron Austin, Jr., 21 lieutenant; Caleb Lyman, ensign. 

6th company — Josiah Starr, captain; Asaph Hull, 1st lieutenant; Paul 
Yates, 2d lieutenant ; Asahel Hodge, ensign. 

7th company — Eleazer Curtiss, captain ; John Ransom, Ist lieutenant ; Mor- 
gan Noble, 2d lieutenant ; John Rockwell, ensign. 



168 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 



8th company — John Sct^pick, captain ; 
imes Thomson, 2d lieutenant ; Maltliew Pa 



Warham Gibbs, let lieutenant; 
James Thomson, 2d lieutenTTit ; Matthew Patterson, ensign. 

9th company — Joim Watson, Jr., captain ; Tlieodore VVoodbridge, 1st lieu, 
tenant; Titus Watson, 2d lieutenant; John Hull, ensign. 

lOtli compuiiy — Ilczokiah Parsons, captain ; Ilezekiah Iloldridgo, 1st lieuton. 
ant; John Skinner, 2d lieutenant ; Ebenuzcr Watson, ensign. 

Rev. Cotton Mather Smith, chaplain. 

Lemuel Wheeler, surgeon. 

Daniel Sheldon and Abel Callin, surgeon's mates. 

FIFTH REGIMENT. 

David Waterbury, Jr., colonel of the 5lh regiment, and captain of the 1st 
company. 

1st company — Sylvanus Brown, 1st lieutenant ; Jonathan Whiting, 2d lieu- 
tenant ; Samuel Hoit, ensign. 

Samuel Whiting, lieutenant colonel, and captain of 2d company. 

2d company — Elijah Beacli, 1st lieutenant ; Robert Walker, 2d lieutenant ; 
Abijah Starling, ensign. 

Thomas Hobby, major, and captain of 3d company. 

3d company — Bezaleel Brown, 1st lieutenant ; Samuel Lockwood, Jr., 2d 
lieutenant; John Waterbury, the 5th ensign. 

4th company — David Dimon, captain ; Peter Hendrick, 1st lieutenant ; Ebe- 
nezer Hill, 2d lieutenant ; Wakeman Burr, ensign. 

5th company — Matthew Mead, captain; Levi Taylor, 1st lieutenant; Samuel 
Cannon, 2d lieutenant; William Seymour, ensign. 

6th company — Noblo Benedict, captain ; J jmes Clark, 1st lieutenant ; Ephraim 
Lyon, 2d lieutenant; Daniel Hicox, ensign. 

7th company — Abraham Gray, captain; Sleplicn Wakeman, 1st lieutenant ; 
Thaddeus Rockwell, 2d lieutenant ; George Burr, ensign. 

8tft company — Joseph Smilii, Jr., captain; Abel Bolsfbrd, J., Ist lieutenant ; 
Nathan Blackman, 2d lieutenant; Silas Hubbel, ensign. 

9th company — Nehemaiii Beardslee, captain; Samuel Keeler, Jr., 1st lieuten- 
ant; Zephaniah Briggs, 2d lieutenant; William Benedict, ensign. 

10th company — Zalmon Read, captain ; Peter Fairchild, 1st lieutenant ; 
David Peet, 2d lieutenant ; Benjamin Nichols, ensign. 

Rev. Samuel Wood, chaplain. 

John Wood, surgeon. 

Asel Filch and Samuel Whiting, surgeon's mates. 

SIXTH REGIMENT. 

Samuel Holden Parsons, Esq., colonel of the 6th regiment, and captain of the 
1st company. 

1st company — David Fisher Sill, 1st lieutenant ; Christopher Ely, 2d lieuten- 
ant ; Elisha Wade, ensign. 

John Tyler, lieutenant colonel, and captain of 2d company. 

2d company— Elnathan Rossitcr, 1st lieutenant ; Ebenczer Brewster, 2d lieu- 
tenant ; Joseph Hillyard, ensign. 

Samuel Prentice, major, and captain of 3d compan}'. 

3d company— James Eldridge, 1st lieutenant ; Richard Hewit, 2d lieutenant ; 
Oliver Babcock, ensign. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 169 

4th company — William Coit, captain ; Jedediah Hide, 1st lieutenant ; James 
Day, 2d lieutenant ;' William Adams, ensign. 

5th company — James Chapman, Jr., captain; Christopher Darrow, 1st lieu- 
tenant ; John Raymond, Jr., 2d lieutenant ; George Lattimore, ensign. 

6th company — Waterman Cleft, captain; WilUam Edmond, 1st lieutenant; 
John McGregor, 2d lieutenant ; Nathaniel Morgan, ensign. 

7th company — Edward Mott, captain ; Benjamin Throop, Jr., 1st lieutenant ; 
Jeremiah Halsey, 2d lieutenant ; Nathan Peters, ensign. 

8th compcny — Samuel Gale, captain ; Josiah Baldwin, 1st lieutenant ; Elisha 
Lee, 2d lieutenant ; David Nevins, ensign. 

9th company — John Ely, captain ; Abraham Waterhouse, 1st lieutenant ; Mar- 
tin Kirtland, 2d lieutenant ; Israel Doan, ensign. 

10th company — Abel Speer, captain ; Isaac Gallop, 1st lieutenant ; Samuel 
Williams, 3d, 2d lieutenant ; William Latham, 2d, ensign. 

Rev. Stephen Johnson, chaplain. 

Philip Turner, surgeon. 

Thomas Fosdick and Benjamin Ellis, surgeon's mates. 

(These six regiments of men were the first enlisted troops in Connecticut, 
raised for the revolutionary war ; and I discover in the list of the officers, the 
names of many, who survived the war, and lived to honor the highest court in 
the State, and the legislative halls of the State and Nation.) 

The Legislature in April, 1775, passed a resolve, that should the officers so 
appointed refuse to accept the trust, or should vacancies occur, by death, &c., 
the Governor was to fill the vacancies, and commission the officers that he 
should appoint. 

At the same session of the Assembly, Capt. Joseph Trumbull was appointed 
commissary general, to take charge of the provisions purchased at Salem, by 
Brigadier General Spencer, or any other provisions that should be sent to him, 
for the inhabitants, either enlisting or assembling for special defence of the 
colony, who was to distribute such provisions among them; also to purchase fur- 
ther supplies, if he could purchase on better terms, than in this colony; and was 
directed to report his doings, for the direction of the commissaries employed in 
this colony. 

At the same time, Oliver Wolcott, Henry Champion, Thomas Mumford, Jede- 
diah Strong, Jeremiah Wadsworth, Thomas Howell, Samuel Squire, Amasa 
Keyes, and Hezekiah Bissell, were appointed commissaries to supply all neces- 
sary stores and provisions for the troops then to be raised under the previous 
order of the Assembly. 

Commissary Trumbull was, by a resolution, then directed by the Legislature 
to purchase immediately, one hogshead of New England rum, and one hundred 
tin kettles ; and Commissary Wadsworth, to procure as soon as might be, one 
hundred tin kettles, fifly barrels of pork, fifty bushels of peas and beans, and 
immediately forward the peas and beans to the commissary general, together 
with two hundred weight of bread; Commissary Bissell, was directed to procure 
sixty barrels of pork, and forty-two hundred pounds of bread ; the commissary 
in Litchfield county, was directed to procure twenty barrels of pork, and eight 
thousand pounds of bread ; and each of the commissaries for the counties of 
New London, New Haven and Fairfield, were directed to procure for the army, 
fifty barrels of pork, and twenty thousand pounds of bread. 



170 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

These were the first st^M| ordered or procured by Connecticut for the army. 
During the same sessio^^^^illiam Pitkin, Thomas Seymour, Oliver Ellsworth, 
and Ezckiel Williams, Esq'rsr, or any three of them, were appointed a committee 
with full power to examine, liquidate, settle, and give needful orders for the pay- 
ment of the several accounts of expenses that had been,, or should be incurred 
relative to the assembling, equipping, supporting, or paying wages to such of the 
colony as should, or might enlist or assemble for the defence of the colony, for 
the then current year ; and said committee were to act under the orders of the 
General Assembly. 

The committee of Pay Table, were empowered to take bonds with sureties, of 
each commissary ; in which bond such commissary was obliged faithfully and 
justly to dispose of all money he should receive, and account with the committee 
of Pay Table for the same. 

It was also enacted that the chief officers and captains of the several companies 
then to be enlisted, should be the pay masters of their respective companies ; and 
the committee of pay table were directed to take bonds with sureties of each 
captain, or other person who should act as pay master, and account also with the 
committee of pay table ; and receive as a compensation for such service, one and 
a half per cent. 

The immense amount of money required at this time, by the colony, to equip 
their recruits, provision and march them, in the then impoverished state of the 
country, could not be procured on so sudden an emergency. The Legislature! 
therefore, bold and daring in the enterprize, it being a war for their dearest rights 
and their liberty ; passed an act (in April, 1775) that there should be forthwith 
imprinted the sum o? fiftij Ihousand pounds, bills of credit on the colony, equal to 
lawful money, of suitable denominations as the committee should direct, and of 
the same tenor with the (then) late emission of bills of credit, without interest, 
and payable at or before the 10th day of May, 1777 ; and dated the lOth day of 
May, 1775. William Pitkin, George Wyllys, Elisha Williams, Benjamin Payne, 
and Thomas Seymour, Esq'rs., or any three of them, were appointed a commit- 
tee to take charge of imprinting said bills, with all convenient speed, and to sign 
and deliver the same to the Treasurer of the colony, taking Ris receipt iherefor, 
and the Treasurer was to pay the same out of the Treasury, under orders ol' 
the Assembly. 

And providing for a Sinking Fund, a tax of seven pence on the pound, was 
levied on all the polls and rateable estate in the colony, to be paid by the lOth 
day of May, 1777, in bills of credit of this emission, or lawful money, and the 
Treasurer was ordered to issue his warrants to collect the same. 

The colony powder, was ordered by the Legislature to be placed in the hands 
of one gentleman in each county, in the colony, viz. : Capt. Jabez Huntington, 
jo take charge of all the powder in Windham county ; Winthrop Saltonstall, in 
New London, and Jabez Huntington, of such as should be lodged in Norwich. 
That 28 half barrels of powder lodged at New Haven, should be sent into Fair- 
field county, to the care of Thaddeus Burr ; and that 14 half barrels of powder 
at New Haven, be sent to the care of Lynde Lord, Esq., at Litchfield, and the 
remainder of the powder at New Haven, to be taken charge of by Jonathan 
Fitch, Esq., of New Haven — all of which powder was to remain in the care of 
said persons, subject only to the order of the General Assembly, except on some 
sudden emergency, then by order of the selectmen of the several towns where 
lodged. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 171 

It was also resolved that if any more powder should be sent into the colony for 
colony use, that a suitable proportion should be delivered to John Lawrence, 
Esq., of Hartford, and the remainder distributed into the several counties in 
suitable proportions, to the care of the gentlemen above named. 

April, 1775. Robert Fairchild, Esq., and Daniel Judson, were appointed by 
the Assembly, to enquire after, and take charge of, for the use of the colony, all 
stores of the camp of a military kind, owned by the colony, or which could be 
found with the heirs of Theophilus Nichols, Esq., then late deceased, and a com- 
missary of the government, &;c., and report the next session of said Assembly.^ 

April, 1775. Jedediah Strong, was also appointed to enquire at Albany, for 
arms belonging to this colony, left there during the last war, and return them as 
soon as might be. 

April, 1775. Daniel Lyman, Enos Allyn, Thomas Howell, Dudley Wood- 
bridge, Joseph Denison, 2d, Stephen Babcock, Gurdon Saltonstall, Thomas 
Mumford, John Lay, John Deshon, Richard Dickinson, and John McCurdy, 
were appointed a committee by the Legislature, to consider on the best method 
and means of securing, defending, and ^protecting the sea coast, ports and ship- 
ping in the colony ; to state facts, and report their opinions Ihereon to said 
Assembly in May (then) next, without expense to the colony. 

The Legislature appointed Col. Gurdon Saltonstall, Samuel Mott, Esq., and 
Capt. John Deshon, a committee forthwith to prepare carriages and necessary 
apparatus for the cannon at New London, so that they might be put in the best 
order for use, in case of necessity for defence. 

A resolution was passed authorizing the Governor to give Brig. Gen, Spencer 
an order, to direct the colonels of the six regiments under his command, to order 
the respective captains, to forward the enlistments of men for the special service, 
defence, and safety of the colony, and to hold themselves in readiness to march 
on the shortest notice. And the four regiments commanded by Brig's. Spencer 
and Putnam, and Col's. Hinman and Parsons, or such part of them as the Gover- 
nor should order, forthwith to be in readiness, and march to Boston, or to some 
place contiguous, as should be ordered. 

An act was passed repealing the act constituting the action of Book Debt — 
the Legislature believing, if it existed, many accounts would be barred by the 
statute of limitations, in time of war, to the prejudice of officers and soldiers, 
who were necessarily absent from their homes. 

Also for the same reasons, was an act passed, exempting debtors from impris- 
onment for debt, and releasing those who were in prison for debt, on execution 
or attachment ; which act was to continue in force until the rising of the Legisla- 
ture in October (then) next. 

Note. John Patterson, Esq. of Piermont, of the province ofN. Hampshire, agent 
of said town, preferred a petition in favor of said Piermont, stating its exposed 
situation to Quebec, at that alarming period, and expecting an attack by the 
French and Indians from Canada ; that said town had voted to supply themselves 
with arms and ammunition, of which they were nearly destitute ; and being 
without money in the infant state of the town, prayed the colony of Connecticut 
to sell them fifty pounds of powder, offering their note, with security, to be paid 
in May, 1776, with interest, and signed by John Patterson, Agent. 

A resolution passed, dii'ecting the powder to be delivered, and to take said 
Patterson's note for the same, payable the 1st day of May, 1776, with interest. 



172 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

An enquiry was had in^^ town of Watcrbury, as to the major part of a com- 
pany who were discoveref^o be inimical to the American cause, composed of 
officers and soldiers ; the true whigs praying to be annexed to a new company. 
A committee was appointed, consisting of Thomas Mattthewson and Timothy 
Judd, to examine the facts, and report to the next Assembly. 

Joseph Munson, of New Haven, and Joseph Webb, of Wethersficld, had leave 
given to export to the West India Islands, 46 cattle and CO barrels of pork, which 
had been purchased before tiie laying of the embargo. 

The session of the Assembly was closed by passing the following preamble and 
resolution, viz. : 

Considering the dark and gloomy aspect of Divine Providence, over this 
colony and land, and that it is the indispensable duty of every people suffering 
under the afflictive chastisements of a righteous God, with deep repentance, sup- 
plication, and amendment of life, to endeavor by all the ways which God has 
prescribed, to avert his anger and incline him to become reconciled to his people, 

It is therefore Resolved by this Assembly, That it be recommended to all the 
Ministers of the Gospel in this colony, that they earnestly endeavor to dissuade 
their several congregations from all excess and all diversions which may be 
improper in the present day of distress ; and that both they and their people cry 
mightily to God, that he would be pleased to spare his people, and be gracious 
unto them, and visit them with his loving kindness and tender mercies, and not 
give up his heritage to reproach ; but preserve unto them their great and impor- 
tant rights and privileges, and guide and prosper the public counsels of this colony 
and land ; and in this hour of difficulty and distress, graciously manifest his 
power in the deliverance and salvation of his people, to the glory of his own 
name. 



GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 

MAY SESSION, 

Held on the 11th day of said month, A. D. 1775, and continued in 
session until the 31st day of said May. 

Hon. Jonathan Trumboll, Governor. 

The same Assistants, (Conant absent.) 

At this session of the Assembly, the town of Westmoreland was to form the 
24th regiment, with all the powers, privileges, and advantages that other regi- 
ments of the colony had. 

A sum of money being required to defray the incidental charges of Govern- 
xnent, it was enacted forthwith to print fifty thousand pounds, in bills of credit 
on the colony, equal to lawful money, of the tenor of the last emission of bills of 
credit, without interest, payable by the 1st day of June, 1778, to be dated the 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 173 

l3t day of June, A. D. 1775'; and Jabez Hamlin, Win. Pitkin, George VVyllys, 
Elislia Williams, Benjamin Payne, Thomas Seymour, and Jesse Root, Esq'rs. 
or any three of them were to be ^committee to see that said bills were immedi- 
ately printed, and to sign and deliver them to the Treasurer of the colony. And 
as a Sinking Fund, a, tax of seven pence on the pound was granted, and ordered 
to be levied on all the polls and rateable estate in the colony, payable into the 
Treasury by the 1st of June, A. D. 1778; pa3'able also in bills of this emission 
or lawful money. Warrants were issued to collect said tax.* 

Tlie embaro-o laid by the Assembly in April last, was continued on the articles 
mentioned in said act, until the 1st day of August (then) next, and the Governor 
was so directed to make proclamation, reserving to the Governor and Council, 
power to discontinue in whole or part at an earlier time, if they should judge it 
expedient. 

The Legislature ordered that there should be provided 90 marques or offi- 
cer's tents, 500 tents for privates, and cloth for 48 tents, 460 tents for private 
soldiers, 1092 iron pots that would contain about ten quarts each, if pots could 
not be procured, then to purchase tin kettles and 1098 pails; two brass kettles 
often gallon size, for the use of each company ; 2,500 wooden bowls ; four fry- 
ing pans for each company ; 6,000 quart rumlets ; 60 drums, and 120 fifes for » 
the use of said troops ; six standards, one for each regiment, distinguished by 
their color, as follows, viz. : for the 1st regiment, yellow ; for the 2d, blue ; for the 
3d, scarlet ; for the 4th, crimson ; for the 5th, white ; for the 6th, azure — a med- 
icine chest and apparatus, to the value not exceeding £40, for each regiment ; 
a set of surgical instruments for the whole corps on each destination, and such 
medicine as should be left, to be returned to the colony ; 70 books, each in 
quarto of one quiie each, covered with cartridge paper ; 2 reams of writing 
paper ; 10 reams of paper for cartridges ; one cart or wagon for each company. 
Allowed to the troops three-fourths of a pound of pork or one pound of beef, 
one pound of bread or flour, three pints of beer to each man per day, beef to be 
fresh two days in a week ; also a half pint of rice or a pint of Indian meal; 6 
ounces of butter ; three pints of peas or beans, to each man per week. Also one 
gill of rum to each man upon faligue per day, and at no other time ; milk, 
molasses, candles, soap, vinegar, coffee, chocolate, sugar, tobacco, onions in the 
season, and vegetables be provided for said troops at the discretion of the general 
and field officers. 

That Is. and 6d. be paid to each man that should supply himself three pounds 
of ball ; 3s. for a pound of powder ; 3d. for six flints ; otherwise to be supplied 
from the town stock, or out of the colony ammunition. Soldiers marching east, 
to be furnished out of the colony stock at New London, Norwich, and Windham, 
or Mansfield ; and two assistants or justices to adjust the accounts of what should 
be received of the towns, and the pay table give an order on the Treasurer. The 
pay masters to keep the ammunition account for such as provide for themselves, 
ball, powder, &c. The flints to be distributed to each county, and one ton of the 
balls in the care of the Treasurer to be sent to Windham. 

* It will be observed that in April, an emission of j£50,000 of bills of credit 
were issued, making in April and May, £100,000 in bills of credit, issued within 
two months, and the colony taxed fourteen pence on the pound to redeem the 
bills. 

23 



174 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

An act was passed directijM|4he manufacture of 3,000 fire arms, for the use of 
the colony, describing the kind of guns, length, bore, &:c., giving a bounty of 5s. 
for each stand of arms, with a good lock that skouid be made in the colony, by 
the 20th day of October (then) next, (if not sold out of the colony) ; and a bounty 
of Is. and 6d. for every good gun lock made within the colony by the 20th day 
of October; and that all such arms so manufactured within the colony should be 
purchased at a reasonable price, over and above the premium given. 

A committee was appointed to enquire and report to the Governor, as soon 
as might be, the probable number of arms that could be manufactured in the 
colony by the 20lh of October aforesaid ; and to call upon tlie Treasurer for the 
necessary funds to pay for them, and receive liie arms so purchased ibr the use 
of the colony, and secure the same. 

It was also enacted, that a bounty of ten pounds should be paid for every fifty 
pounds of salt petre that should be made from materials found in this colony, 
within one year after the rising of the Assembly. Also a bounty of five pounds 
for every one hundred weight of sulphur, that should bo manufactured within 
the colony, from materials found in any of the British colonies, ki America, 
within one year as aforesaid. 
# An act for regulating and ordering the troops that were or should bo raised 
for the defence of the colony. 

Whereas God in his providence halh been pleased in great mercy to bestow 
upon the inhabitants of this colony, all the rights, liberties, and immunities of 
the free and natural born subjects of the realm of England, which have been 
established and confirmed by a sacred compact, and secured by a royal charter ; 
which rights, liberties, and immunities, were the birth. right of our bravo, virlu. 
ous, and religious ancestors whilst in England, who rather than submit lo reli. 
gious or cruel tyranny, chose to leave their pleasant seats and all their happy 
prospects in their native country, bravely encountered the danger of untried 
seas and coasts of a howling wilderness, barbarous men, 'and savage beasts, 
at the expense of their ease and safety of their blood, their treasure, and their 
lives ; transplanted and reared the Englisli constitution in these wilds, upon 
the strong pillars of civil and religious liberty, and having led the way by 
their great example, bequeathed their inestimable purchase as a sacred and 
unalienable legacy to their posterity, who have ever since united the sincerest 
loyally to their sovereign, and the warmest affection for their elder brethren 
in England, with the enjoyment of their aforesaid rights, liberties, and iminuni- 
lies, nor have they till lately been thought incompatible. 

And whereas, since the close of the last war, the British Parliament claiming 
a power of right to bind the people of America by statute in all cases whatsoever^ 
hath in some acts expressly imposed taxes upon them, and in others, under 
various pretences, but in fact for the purpose of raising a revenue, hath imposed 
rates and duties, payaiile in these colonics, established a Board of Commissioners 
with unconstitutional powers, and extended the jurisdiction of courts of admir. 
alty, not only for collecting said duties, bat also for the trial of causes merely 
arising within the body of a country. 

And whereas in consequence of other statutes, judges who before held only 
estates at will in their offices, have been made to depend on the crown alono 
for their salaries ; and standing armies kept in time of peace ; and it has been 
lately resolved in Parliament, that by force of a statute made in the thirty-fifth 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. • 175 

year of the reign of king Ilonr}' the Eiglith, colonists mny bo transported to 
England, and tried there upon accusations for treason, and misprisons, or 
concoalnient of treasons committed or alleged to be committed in the colonies; 
and by a late statute such trials have been directed in cases tiierein mentioned. 
And whereas, three acts of Parliament have been passed, by one of wiiich 
the port of Boston is shut up, and thousands reduced from affluence to poverty 
and distress ; by another, the ciianer of the province of Massacliusetts Bay is 
subverted and destroyed ; and by the third, under pretence of the impartial 
administration of justice, all hope of justice is taken away in certain cases. 

And whereas, another statute has been made, by which the Roman Calholie 
religion is established, tiic equitable system of English laws arc abolisiicd, and 
a /j/rffnnj/ erected, in the province of Quebec, to the great danger of the neigh- 
boring colonies. And also in the present session of Parliament, another act is 
passed, by which tiie New England colonies are in a great measure deprived of 
their trade and fishery, the blessings which God and nature have indulged them 
with, being atlcmpted by force to be wrested from them. 

And whereas, all our humble, dutiful, and loyal petitions to the throne for 
redress of grievances, have been treated with contempt, or passed by in silence, 
by his majesty's ministers of state, and the refusal to surrender our just rights, 
liberties, and immunities, hath been styled rebellion ; and fleets and armies have 
been sent into a neighboring colony to force thcni to submit to slavery, and awe 
the other colonics into submission, by the example of vengeance inflicted on 
her, who had besides the casual calamities and insults that proceed iVoni stand- 
ing armies, fortified the town of Boston, driven the peaceable inhabitants from 
their dwellings, and imbrued their hands in the blood of our countrymen. All 
which acts and measures have relation to ail the British colonies, in the princi. 
pies from which they flow, and are evidently intended to force or terrify them 
into a submission to Parliqjnentary taxation, or at least into a surrender of 
their property at the pleasure of the British Parliament, and in such proportion 
as they shall please to prescribe, with which we must comply, or be at the 
mere]/ of those who cannot know our situation and circumstances, and will be 
interested to oppress and enslave us ; our liberty, our lives, and property, will 
become precarious and dependent upon the will of men over whom we can 
have no check or control; religion, property, personal safety, learning, arts, 
public and private virtue, social happiness, and every blessing attendant on 
libertV) will fall victims to the principles and measures advanced and pursued 
against us ; whilst shameless vice, infidelity, irreligion, abject dependence, igno- 
rance, superstition, meanness, servility, and the whole train of despotism pre- 
sent themselves to our view in melancholy prospect. 

And whereas, although this Assembly wish for no new rights and privileges, 
and desire only to preserve their ancient constitution, as it has been under- 
stood and practised upon from the beginning ; freely yielding to the British 
Parliament the regulation of our external commerce, for the purpose of secur. 
ing the commercial advantages of all the dominions of our sovereign to the 
mother country, and the commercial benefits of its several jnembers, excluding 
every idea of taxation, for raising a revenue without our consent ; and claiming 
only a right to regulate our internal police and government, and are most 
earnestly desirous of peace, and deprecate the horrors of war. Yet when they 
see military preparations against them at hand, and the hopes of peace and bar- 



176 • REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

inony placed al a greater (^teiicc, being fully determined never to make & 
voluntary sacrifice of tlieir rights, not knowing how soon parliamentary arfd 
minisleriiil vengeance may be directed against them immediately, as it is now 
against the province of Maasacluisetts Bay, who are suffering in the common 
cause of British America, trusting in the justice of their cause, and tiie righteous 
providence of Almighty God, for the restoration of quiet and peace, or for suc- 
cess in the efforts for tlieir defence, have thought it their duty to raise troops 
for the defence of tliis colony. 

And whereas it is necessary that such troops, both officers and soldiers, should 
be made acquainted with their duly, and that articles, rules, and regulations, 
should be established to preserve order, good govenimenl, and discipline in tho 
army, agreeable to the mild spirit of our constitution, and not according to the 
severities practised in standing armies. 

Therefore, Be it enacted by tho Governor, Council, and Representatives in 
General Court assembled, and by authority of the same — 

Article I. That all officers and soldiers not having just impediment, shall 
diligently frequent divine service and sermon in the places appointed for tho 
assembling tlie regiment, troop or company, to which they belong, and such as 
wilfully absent themselves, or being present, behave indecently, or irreverently, 
shall, if commissioned officers, be brought before a regimental court-martial, 
there to be publicly and severely reprimanded by the president ; if non.commis- 
sioned officers or soldiers, every person so offending shall, tor his first offence, 
forfeit Is. to be deducted out of his wages ; (or his second offence, he shall not 
only forfeit Is. but be confined not exceeding twenty. four hours ; and for every 
like offence shall suffer and pay in like manner ; which money so forfeited shall 
be applied to the use of the sick soldiers of the troop or company to which the 
offender belongs. 

Art. II. That whatsoever non-commissioned officer or soldier shall use any 
unlawful oath or execration, shall incur the penalties expressed in the first 
article ; and if a commissioned officer be tlius guilty of profane cursing or 
swearing, he shall forfeit and pay for each and every such offence, the sum of 
4s. lawful money. 

Art. III. That any officer or soldier who shall behave himself with con- 
tempt or disrespect towards the General or Commander-in-chief, or shall speak 
words tending to his or their hurt or dishonor, shall be punished according to 
tho nature of his offence by tho judgment of a general court martial. 

Art. IV. That any officer or soldier who shall begin, excite, cause or join 
in any meeting or sedition in the regiment, troop, or company, to which he 
belongs, or in any other regiment, troop, or company of the forces of this 
colony, cither by land or sea, or in any party, post, detachment, or guard, on 
any pretence whatsoever, shall suffer such punishment as by a general court 
martial shall be ordered. 

Art. V. That any ofiicer, non-commissioned officer, or soldier, who being 
present at any meeting or sedition, does not use his utmost endeavors to sup. 
press the same ; or. coming to the knowledge of any meeting or intended 
meeting docs not without delay, give information thereof to the commanding 
officers, shall be punished by order of a general court martial, according to tho 
nature of his offence. 

Art. VI. That any officer or soldier who shall strike his superior officer, or 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 177 

draw or offer to draw, or shall lift up any weapon, or offer any violence against 
him, being in the execution of his office, on any pretence wiiatsoevcr, or shall 
disobey any lawful command of his superior officer, shall suffer such punishment 
as shall, according to the nature of his offence be ordered by ihe senlcnco of a 
general court martial. 

Art. VII. Tliat any non-commissioned officer or soldier who shall desert, 
or without leave of his commanding officer, absent himself from the troop or 
company to which he belongs, or from any detachment of the same, siiall, upon 
being convicted thereof, be punished according to the nature of his offence, at 
the discretion of a general court martial. 

Art. VIII. That whatsoever officer or so'dler shall be convicted of having 
advised or persuaded any other officer or soldier to desert, shall suffer such pun- 
ishment as shall be ordered by the sentence of a general court martial. 

Art. IX. That all officers of what condition soever shall have power to part 
and quell all quarrels, frays, and disorders, though the persons concerned 
should belong to anotlicr regiment, troop, or company ; ajid either order officers 
to be arrested, or non-commissioned officers or soldiers to be confined and 
imprisoned till tjieir proper superior officers shall be acquainled tiierevvilh ; and 
whoever shall refuse to obey such officer, though of an inferior rank, or shall 
draw his sword upon him, shall be punished at the discretion of a general court 
martial. 

Art. X. That no officer or soldier shall use any reproachful or provoking 
speeches or gestures to another; nor shall any officer or soldier presume to 
send a challenge to any person to fight a duel, or second, promote, oj carry'any 
chalhmge, shall be deemed a principal therein; and whatsoever officer or soldier 
shall upbraid another lor ro.fusiiig a challenge, shall also be considered as a 
challenger ; and all such offenders in any of these or such like cases, shall bo 
punisiied at the discretion of a general court martial. 

Art. XI. That every officer commanding in quarters, or on a march, shall 
keep good order, and to the utmost of his power, redress all such abuses or 
disorders which may be commillcd by any officer or soldier under his command; 
if upon any complaint made to him, of officers or soldiers beating or otherwise 
ill treating any person, or of committing uny kind of riot to the disquieting of 
the inhabitants of this continent, ho the said commander who shall refuse or 
omit to see justice done on tho offender or offenders, and reparation made to 
the party or parties injured, as far as the offender's wages shall enable him or 
them — shall upon due proof thereof be punished as ordered by a general court 
martial, in such manner as if he himself had committed the crimes or disorders 
complained of. 

Art. XII. That if any officer should think himself to be wronged by his 
colonel or the commanding officer of the regiment, and shall upon due applica- 
tion made to him be refused to be redressed, he may complain to the general or 
commander-in-chief of the forces of this colony, in order to obtain justice; who 
is hereby required to examine into said complaint, and see that justice be done. 
Art. XIII. That if any inferior officer or soldier shall think himself wronged 
by his captain, or other officer commanding the troop or company to which ho 
belongs, he is to complain thereof to the commanding officer of the regiment, 
who is hereby required to summon a regimental court martial for the doiiig 
justice to the complainant ; from which regimental court riiartial either party 



178 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

may, if lie thinks himself s^^ aggrieved, appeal to a general court martial; but 
if, upon a second hearing, TTie appeal shall appear to be vexatious and ground, 
less, the person so appealing shall bo punished at the discretion of the general 
court martial. 

Akt. XIV. That vvliiilsocver non-commissioned officer or soldier shall be 
convicted at a regimental court inarlial, of having sold, or designedly, or 
through neglect, wasted the ammunition, arms, or provision, or other military 
stores, delivered out to him to bo employed m the service of this colony, shall, 
if an officer, be reduced to a private sentinel, and if a private soldier, shall suffer 
such punishment as shall be ordered by a regimental court martial. 

Art. XV. That all non-commissioned officers and soldiers who shall bo 
found one mile from the camp, without leave in writing from their commanding 
officer, shall suffer such punishment as shall be inflicted on him or them by the 
sentence of a regimental court martial. 

Art. XVI. That no officer or soldier shall lie out of his quarters or camp 
without leave from their commanding officers of the regiment, upon penalty of 
being punished according to the nature of his offence, by order of a regimental 
court martial. 

Art. XVII. That every non-commissioned officer and soldier shall retire to 
his quarters or tent at the beating of the retreat, in default of which ho shall be 
punished according to the nature of his offence, by order of the commanding 
officer. 

Art. XVIII. That no officer, non-commissioned officer or soldier, shall fail 
of repairing, at the time fi.^ed, to the place of parade or exercise, or other 
rendezvous appointed by the commanding officer, if not prevented by sickness 
or some other evident necessity ; or shall go from the said place of rendezvous 
or from his guard without leave fron) his commanding officer, before ho shall bo 
regularly dismissed or relieved, on penalty of being punished according to the 
nature of his offence, by the sentence of a regimental court martial. 

Art. XIX. That whatsoever commissioned officer shall be found drunk on 
his guard party or other duly, under arms, shall be cashiered for it ; any non- 
commissioned officer or soldier so oTending, shall suffer such punishment as 
shall be ordered by the sentence of a regimental court martial. 

Art. XX. That whatsoever sentinel shall be found sleeping upon his post, or 
shall leave it before he shall be regularly relieved, shall sulfur such punishment 
as shall be ordered by the sentence of a general court martial. 

Art. XXI. That any person belonging to the troops of this colony, who by 
discharging of fire arms, beating of drums, or by any other means whatsoever, 
shall occasion filse alarms in camp or quarters, shall suffer such punishment as 
shall be ordered by the sentence of a general court martial. 

Art. XXII. That any officer or soldier who shall, without urgent necessity, 
or without leave of his superior officer, quit his platoon or division, shail be 
punished according to the nature of his offence, by tho sentence of a regimental 
court martiiil. 

Art. XXIII. That no officer or soldier shall do violence, or offer any insult 
or abuse to any perf-on who shail bring provisions or other necessaries to the 
camp or quarters of the army; any officer or soldier so offjnding, shall, upon 
complaint being made to the commanding officer, suffer such punishment as 
shall bo ordered by a regimental court martial. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 179 

Art. XXIV. That whatsoever officer or soldier shall shamefully abandon 
any post committed to Ills ciiarge, or shall speak words inducing others to do 
the like in time of an engagement, shall suffer dcalli immediately. 

Art. XXV. That any person belonging to tlio forces raised, or that may bo 
raised for the defence of tlie cokmy, wiio sliall make known the walch-word to 
any person who is not entitled to receive it according to the rules and discipline 
of war ; or shall presume to give a parole or walch-word diflcrciit from what he 
received it, shall suffer death, or such other punisiinient as shall be ordered by 
the sentence of a general court martial. 

Art. XXVI. That whosoever belonging to the forces raised, or that may be 
raised for the defence of this colony, shall relieve the enemy with money, 
victuals, or ammunition ; or shall knowingly harbor or protect an enemy, shall 
suffer sucii punishment as by a general court martial sliull be ordered. 

Art. XXVII. That whosoever belonging to the forces already raised, or that 
may be raised for the defence of tiiis colony, shall be convicted of holding cor- 
respondence with, or of giving intelligence to the enemy, either directly or 
indirectly, shall suffer such punishment as by a general court martial shall be 
ordered. 

Art. XXVIII. That all public stores taken in the enemy's camp, or maga- 
zines, whether of artillery, ammunition, clothing or provisions, shall be secured 
for the use of this colony. 

Art. XXIX. That if any officer or soldier shall leave his post or colors in 
time of an engagement to go in search of plunder, he shall, ujion being con. 
victed thereof, before a general court martial, suffer such punishment as by said 
court martial shall be ordered. 

Art. XXX. Th^it if any commander of any post, intrencbment or fortress, 
shall be compelled by the officers or soldiers under his command, to give it up 
to the enemy, or to abandon it, tiie commissioned officer, non-commissioneti 
officers or soldiers, who shall be convicted of having so offended, shall suffer 
death, or such other punishment as may be inflicted upon them by the sentence 
of a general court martial. 

Art XXXI. That all sutlers and letailers to a camp, and all persons what, 
soever serving with the forces already raised, or that may be raised for the 
defence of this colony, in the field, thougli not enlisted soldiers, are to be sub. 
jecled to the same articles, rules, and regulations to which the officers and 
soldiers are or shall be subjected. 

Art. XXXII. That no general court martial shall consist of a less number 
than thirteen^ none of which shall bo under the degree of a commissioned officer ; 
and the president of each and every court martial whether general or regimental, 
shall have power to administer an oath to every witness in order to the trial of 
offenders; and the members of all courts martial shall be duly sworn by the 
president, and the next in rank on the court martial shall administer the oath to 
the president. 

Art. XXXIII. That the members both of general and regimental courts 
martial shall, when belonging to different corps, take the same rank which they 
hold in the army ; but when courts martial shall be composed of officers of one 
corps, they shall take their ranks according to their commissions, by which they 
are mustered in the said corps. 



180 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 



Art. XXXIV, That all tjj^members of a court martial are to behave with 
calmness, decency, a 
with the lowest. 

Art. XXXV. Tliat no field officer shall be tried by any person under tho 
degree of a captain ; nor shall any proceedings or trials be carried on excepting 
between the hours of eight in the morning and three in the afternoon, except in 
cases which require an immediate example. 

Art XXXVI. Tiiat the commissioned officers of every regiment may, by tho 
appointment of their colonel or commanding officer, hold regimental courts 
martial for tho enquirj' into such disputes or criminal matters as may come 
before them, and for the inflioliiig corporal punishments for small offijnces ; and 
shall give judgment by tho majority of voices; but no sentence shall be exe. 
culed till the commandnig officer (not being a member of ihe court martial) 
shall have confirmed the same. 

Art. XXXVII. That no regimental court martial shall consist of less than 
five officers, except in cases where that number cannot be conveniently asscm. 
bled, when three may be sufficient, who are likewise to determine upon the 
sentence, by a mnjorily of voices; which sentence is to be confirmed by the com. 
manding offioer, not being a member of tiie court n)artial. 

Art. XXXVIII. Tliat every officer commanding in any fort, castle, or barrack, 
or elsewhere, where the corps under his command consists of detachn)ents from 
diffisrent regiments, or of independent companies, may assemble courts martial 
for the trial of offenders in the same manner as if they were regimental ; whose 
sentence is not to be executed till it shall be confirmed by the said commanding 
officer. 

Art. XXXIX. That no person whatsoever shall use menacing words, signs, 
or gestures, in the presence of a court martial then sitting, or shall cause any 
disorder or riot, so as to disturb their proceedings, on the penalty of being pun- 
ished at the discretion of said court martial. 

Art. XL. That to the end that off"enders may be brought lo justice whenever 
any officer or soldier shall commit a crime deserving punishment, he shall, by 
his commanding officer, if an officer, be put in arrest, if a non-comnjissioned 
officer or soldier, be imprisoned, till he shall be either tried by a court martial, or 
shall be lawfully discharged by proper authority. 

Art. XLI. That no officer or soldier who shall be put in arrest or imprison- 
ment, shall continue in his confinement more than eight days, or till such time 
as a court martial can be conveniently assembled. 

Art. XLII. That no officer commanding a guard, or provost marshal, shall 
refuse to receive or keep any person committed to his charge by an officer belong- 
ing to the forces aforesaid ; which officer shall at the same time deliver an 
account in writing, signed by himself, of the crime with which the said prisoner 
is charged. 

Art. XLIII. That no officer commanding a guard or provost marshal, shall 
presume to release any prisoner committed to his charge, without proper author- 
ity for so doing, nor shall he suffer any prisoner to escape, on the penalty of 
being punished for it by the sentence of a general court martial. 

Art. XLIV. That every officer, or a provost marshal, to whose charge pri- 
soners shall be committed, is hereby required, within twenty-four hours after 
such commitment, or as soon as he shall be relieved from his guard, to give in 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 181 

writing to the colonel of the regiment to whom the prisoner belongs, (where the 
prisoner is confined upon the guard belonging to the said regiment, and that his 
office only relates to the neglect of duty in his own corps,) or to the commander- 
in-chief, their names, their crimes, and the names of the officers who committed 
them, on the penalty of being punished for his disobedience or neglect, at the 
discretion of a general court martial. 

Art. XLV. And if any officer under arrest shall leave his confinement before 
he is set at liberty by the officer who confined him, or by a superior power, he 
shall be cashiered for it. 

Art. XLVI. That whatsoever commissioned officer shall be convicted before 
a general court martial of behaving in a scandalous, infamous manner, such as 
is unbecoming the character of an officer and a gentleman, shall be discharged 
from the service. 

Art. XLVII. That all officers, conductors, gunners, matrosses, drivers, or 
any other persons whatsoever, receiving pay or hire in the service of the artil- 
lery of this colony, shall be governed by the aforesaid rules and articles, and 
shall be subject to be tried by courts martial in like manner with the. officers and 
soldiers of the troops. 

Art. XLVIII. That for differences arising among themselves, or in matters 
relating solely to their own corps, tlie courts martial may be composed of their 
own officers ; but where a number sufficient of such officers cannot be assembled, 
or in matters wherein other corps are interested, the officers of artillery shall 
sit in courts martial with the officers of the other corps. 

Art. XLIX. That all crimes not capital, and all disorders and neglects 
which officers and soldiers may be guilty of, to the prejudice of good order and 
military discipline, though not mentioned in the articles of war, are to be taken 
cognizance of by a general or regimental court martial, according to the nature 
or degree of the ofl^ence, and be punished at their discretion. 

Art. L. That no courts martial shall order any offender to be whipped, or 
receive more than thirty-nine stripes, for one offence. 

Art. LI. That the field officers of each and every regiment, are to appoint 
some suitable person belonging to such regiment, to receive all such fines as may 
arise within the same, for any breach of any of the foregoing articles, and shall 
direct the same to be carefully and properly applied to the relief of such sick, 
wounded, or necessitous soldiers as belong to such regiment; such persons shall 
account with such officer for all fines received, and the application thereof. 

Art. LII. That all members sitting in courts martial shall be sworn by the 
president of said courts, which president shall himself be sworn by the officer 
in said court next in rank. The oath to be administered previous to their pro- 
ceeding to the trial of any offender, in form following, viz : You, A. B. swear 
|hat you will well and truly try, and impartially determine, the cause of the 
prisoner now to be tried, according to the rules for regulating the forces raised, 
or to be raised, for the defence of the colony of Connecticut — so help you 
God. 

Art. LIII. That all persons called to give evidence in any case before a court 
martial, who shall refuse to give evidence, shall be punished for such refusal at 
the discretion of such court martial. The oath to be administered in the form 
following, viz : You swear the evidence you shall give in the case now in hearing, 

24 



182 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

shall be the truth, the w^^ truth, and nothing but the truth— so help you 
God. 

A resolution passed directing all officers who assisted in assembling or fur- 
nisliing ainmunilion to sucli ot' llie colony in tiie (then) iale alurms, who 
marched cast or west, to deliver to the selectmen of their resp(!clive towns, their 
accounts, and the names of those who niarciied in relief of those in distress, and 
the time detained until their return. The selectmen were ordered to collect a 
particular account of expenses, for provisions, &c., and the names of those who 
supplied, to be laid before the committee of pay table for settlement.* 

It was also resolved, that the committee of the pay table should give orders 
on the treasurer for the payment of all money actually expended, or lor obliga- 
tions given therefor, in obtaining the possession of Ticonderoga and Crown 
Point, by said accounts being liquidated and approved by the committee. And 
the committee were directed to receive the accounts of the cosis and expenses 
for men and provision in taking and securing said fortresses, by any inhabit, 
ants of this colony, or any other colony, if employed by the colony of Connec- 
ticut, and digest and put in proper form all such accounts, and lay the same 
before the Assembly. 

It was resolved, that each non-commissioned officer and soldier, of any mili- 
tary company in the colony, should be paid out of the colony treasury, six 
pence for each half day he had performed mililary duty, and one shilling for 
each day ho had performed regimental duty, in obedience to a law of the colony 
passed the October preceding. 

* At this time there was convincing proof that a design was formed by the 
British ministry, of making an invasion from Canada, i. e, from Quebec upon 
the northern colonies, to take the lives and liberties of the colonists. Some 
steps had actually been taken to carry their designs into execution. Some of 
the citizens in the vicinity of Ticonderoga, who were immediately exposed to 
incursions, being impelled by a just regard for their defence and self prescrva. 
tion, had taken possession of that post, and also of Crown Point, where was 
then lodged a quantity of cannon a!id military stores, which were exposed to be 
taken by the enemy, as well as the few officers and soldiers who were stationed 
there. And as the colony of Connecticut had of right no command of said 
posts exclusively, said posts being in possession of people of diffijrent colonies, 
it was considered impracticable for the officers and soldiers of this colony to 
return either to Ticonderoga, or Crown Point at that time ; and it therefore 
became necessary that such officers and soldiers and their families, for the time 
being, should be provided for by the colony. 

It was therefore resolved, that Col. Eraslus Wolcott, Capt. Samuel Wads. 
worth, Capt. Ezekiel Williams, Epaphras Bull, Henry Allyn, Col. Fisher Gay, 
Col. Matthew Talcott, Col. James Wadsworth, Capt. Jonathan Welles, Eliene. 
zor White, and Col. Jonathan Humphrey, should be a committee, or any three 
of them, at the expense of the colony, to take care of and provide for the officers 
and soldiers and their families, in procuring labor for the soldiers until the con. 
tincntal Congress, or the Assembly, should take farther order concerning them. 
Directing the commander-in-chief to make proper returns under bis hand to 
said committee, of such corps as were under his command. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 183 

It was resolved, that Jabez Hamlin, Matthew Talcott, and Titus Hosmer, 
Esq'rs., bo a committee to provide stores of lead, as they should judge neces. 
sary for tlie use of the colony, or to take tlie lead ore raised out of the mine at 
Middietown, and refined and fitted for the use of the colony ; with power to 
receive out of the colony treasury any sums of money that should be necessary 
to procure said lead, or purchase said lead ore and smelt and refino it, not 
exceeding the sum of ;C400 — Provided that the owners of said mine, should be 
allowed for any loss or damage they might sustain by reason of the premises. 

It was resolved, that the commander-in-chief of the forces raised in tha 
colony, at their respective destinations, were empowered to procure armorers 
to repair all fire arms damaged in service. 

And the committee of pay table were directed to repair the arms of the colony 
in the hands of the treasurer, and deliver them to the inhabitants enlisted, to 
have them appraised, and take a receipt for them. 

Samuel Molt, Esq., was appointed an engineer to repair forthwith to Ticon- 
deroga and Crown Point, to act in that capacity, and to take rank as a lieuten. 
ant colonel among the troops raised for the defence of the colony of Con. 
necticut. 

The Legislature appointed the Hon. Matthew Griswold, Hon. Eliphalet 
Dyer, J. Huntington, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, N. Wales, Jr., 
J. Elderkin, Joshua West, and Benjamin Huntington, Esq'rs., to assist the 
Governor when tlie Assembly was not in session, to direct the marches and 
stations of the soldiers enlisted for the defence of the colony, or any part of 
them, as they should judge proper, and supply with every matter and thing 
that should be needful for the defence of the colony.* 

That the commissions ordered by the special Assembly in April, bo dated 
May 1st, 1775. 

That the warrants for the staif be dated 20th day of May, 1775, viz. : chap, 
lain, surgeon, and surgeon's mate. 

The sum of £i per month was granted to Major General Wooster, to assist 
him to provide a proper secretary for the necessary service of his department. 

Also the sum of £4 per month to Brigadier Generals Spencer and Putnam, to 
provide secretaries for their respective departments. 

Jonathan Fitch, Esq., v?as appointed commissary, in the room of Thomas 
Howel, resigned. 

It was resolved, that the commissaries sliould bo allowed one and a half per 
cent, commission on all supplies purchased and paid for by them, by order of 
the Assembly. 

The Treasurer of tho colony was ordered to pay Captain Edward Mott, the 
sum of ;C20, and said Mott to account to the Assembly. 

Jabez Hamlin and Jesse Root, Esq'rs. were added to the committee to sign 
the bills of credit in the colony, ordered by the Assembly on the 2Gth day of 
April, 1775. 

It was resolved, that 500 pounds of powder should be forthwith borrowed by 
the committee of pay table from the town stocks of the adjacent towns, and to 

* This was the first Committee of Safety appointed by Connecticut, to aid the 
Governor in his deliberations and acts during the recess of the General 
Assembly. 



184 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

be transported by Col. Ja^WEaslon, with the utmost expedition, to Crown 
Point and Ticonderoga, and to be tiiure used for the iinmcdiato defence of those 
posts, until tiie resolves of the Continental Congress should be carried into 
execution ; directing the committee of pay table to draw on ihe colony treasurer 
in favor of Col. Easton for the sum of .£200, to be expended in defraying the 
expenses of transporting said powder, and other necessary purposes, for the 
immediate support of said fortresses. 

The pay of an adjutant was fixed at £6 per month ; the pay of the 1st lieu, 
tenant of the colonel's companies in each regiment fixed at £5 per month. 

jCIO was ordered paid to Capt. Eleazer Oswald. 

Fees of six shillings per day was allowed for the committee of the pay table 
for euch attending on the service, and so in proportion for the time served. 

David Johnson, Jr., was appointed 2d li(!Ulenant, 2d company, 4th regiment, 
in the room of David Biscell, superseded. 

Capt. John Chester enlisted five men more than his quota, the Assembly gave 
him liberty to retain them in his company. 

Col. Charles Burrall received an order of £12:9:11 for repairing arms of 
the colony. 

Jabez Thomson, Ichabod Lewis, Thomas Belding, John Mead, Henry Cham, 
pion, Comfort Sago, and Nathan Denison, were appointed lieutenant colonels 
of militia, 

Zebulon Butler, Matthew Talcott, Samuel Chapman, William Williams, and 
Gold S. Silliman, were also appointed colonels of the militia. 

William Douglass, John Chester, Stephen St. John, Dyer Throop, John Pen- 
field, William Judd, and Oliver Smith, were also appointed majors in the militia 
of the colony. 

Abraham Blakely, of New Haven, captain of a company, was cashiered, and 
removed from ofRce, for manifesting dissatisfaction with the government. 

Andrew Philip Skeen, of Skeensborough, in the State of New York, on the 
9th of May, 1775, was taken at home, with his aunt, two sisters, and a man by 
the name of Beach, and brought to this colony. On his application to the 
Assembly to return with his family, and be protected in their return to his farm; 
or that the Legislature would send some suitable person to take care of his farm 
in Skeensborough. The Assembly granted liberty to the family of said Skeen 
to return home, or to Quebec, under the direction of O. Wolcott, Elisha Shel. 
don, of Salisbury, and John Bigelow, of Hartford. And said Skeen had liberty 
granted under the direction of said committee, to appoint and send a suitable 
man to take charge of his farm and business. And the commander from this 
colony at Ticonderoga and Crown Point, were directed to sec that Major Skeen's 
estate should receive no unnecessary damage from the troops under their charge. 

Public affairs were such, that public attention was called from private matters 
to things of greater importance. 

Therefore it was resolved, that all private business'of a civil nature, and dis- 
putable, should be referred over to the October session of the Assembly. 

The Assembly adjourned, subject to the call of the Governor, and in his 
absence, the Deputy Governor. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 185 



GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 

SPECIAL SESSION. 

The General Assembly, convened by special order of the Governor, 
on the 1st day of July, A. D. 1775. 

Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Governor. 

Only eight of the Council present ; and Samuel Huntington, added to the 
Assistants. 

An act in addition to an act passed 26th da)' of April, 1775, to raise troops, 
it was enacted, that in addition to, and reinforcement of, the inhabitants in and 
by said act directed to be assembled, &c., to raise a further body of 1,400 men, 
exclusive of commissioned officers, who were forthwith enlisted, equipped, 
accoutred, and assembled for the special defence of the colony, to serve during 
the pleasure of the Assembly, not exceeding five months, to be led and conducted 
as the Assembly should order ; to be formed into two regiments, often companies 
each, and each company to consist of seventy non-commissioned officers and 
privates, (besides commissioned officers) with the same number of commission 
and staff officers as in the regiment then raised and assembled for defence by the 
act aforesaid. And that the said troops, both officers and soldiers, should receive 
the same bounty and pay, and be allowed for arms, blankets, knapsacks, accou- 
trements, and provisions ; be furnished with the same quantity of ammunition, 
and in every respect be under the same regulations as was provided for troops 
assembled. 

In pursuance of the above act, the following appointments were made, and in 
the form following, viz. : This Assembly do appoint the persons hereafter named 
to the respective offices hereinafter mentioned, to take tlie command of the 
inhabitants to be enlisted and assembled for the special defence and safety of this 
colony, in addition to the six regiments heretofore raised for the same purpose, 
to lead and conduct them as the General Assembly shall order ; and his Honor 
the Governor is desired, and is hereby authorized and empowered to give com- 
missions according to the form provided and ordered for each officer, according 
to his office and rank, and warrants to such as are appointed in the staff, viz. : 

SEVENTH REGIMENT. 

This Assembly do appoint Charles Webb, Esq., colonel of the 7th regiment, 
and captain of the 1st company. 

1st company — Ebenezer Hill, captain and lieutenant ; Stephen Betts, Jr., 2d 
lieutenant ; Sylvanus Mead, ensign. 

Street Hall, lieutenant colonel, and Ctiptain of 2d company. 

2d company — William Hull, 1st lieutenant; Stephen Potter, 2d lieutenant ; 
Titus Moss, ensign. 



186 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

Jonathan Lattimer, Jr.,^^}., major, and captain of 3d company. 

3d company — Nathan Hale, 1st lieutenant ; John Belcher, 2d lieutenant ; 
Joseph Milliard, ensign. 

4th company — Joseph Hoit, captain; Joseph Allen Wright, 1st lieutenant; 
Gamaliel Northrop, Jr., 2J lieutenant; John Odell, ensign. 

5th company — Nathaniel Tattle, captain; John Watkins, 1st lieutenant; 
Lemuel Gibbs, 2d lieutenant ; Samuel Hurlbut, ensign. 

6th company — Edward Shipman, captain ; Aaron Stevens, 1st lieutenant ; 
Lemuel Nichols, 2d lieutenant; John Shumway, ensign. 

7th company — Isaac Bostvvick, captain ; Jesse Kimball, 1st lieutenant ; Peter 
Mills, 2d lieutenant ; Daniel Brinsmade, ensign. 

8th company — William Gaylord Hubbel, captain ; John Trowbridge, Jr., 1st 
lieutenant ; Jesse Cook, 2d lieutenant ; David Lilly, ensign. 

9th company — Peter Perrit, Jr., captain; John Yates, 1st lieutenant; Henry 
Firman, 2d lieutenant ; Charles Pond, ensign. 

10th company — Eli Leavenworth, captain ; William Rossiter, 1st lieutenant ; 
Peter Johnson, 2d lieutenant ; Robert Lewis, ensign. 

Rev. Samuel Bird, chaplain. 

Francis Forgue, surgeon. 

Ebenezer Beardslee and Isaac Swift, surgeon's mates. 

EIGHTH REGIMENT. 

Jedediah Huntington, Esq., colonel of the 8th regiment, and captain of the 
1st company. 

1st company — Asa Kingsbury, captain and lieutenant ; Jonathan Brewster, 2d 
lieutenant ; Piiineas Lyman Tracy, ensign. 

John Douglass, Esq., lieutenant colonel, and captain of 2d company. 

2d company — Elizur Hubbard, 1st lieutenant ; Moses Campbell, 2d lieutenant; 
Nathaniel Bingham, ensign. 

Joel Clark, Esq., major, and captain of 3d company. 

3d company— Abiel Pease, 1st lieutenant ; Epaphras Andrus, 2d lieutenant ; 
Abraham Wright, ensign. 

4th company — Elihu Humphrey, captain; Ebenezer Fitch, 1st lieutenant; 
Timothy Cossett, 2d lieutenant ; Jonathan Filly, ensign. 

5th company— Charles Ellsworth, Jr., captain ; Moses Hall, 1st lieutenant ; 
Samuel Bancroft, 2d lieutenant ; Barzillai Markham, ensign. 

6th company — Abijah Rowley, captain ; Zebadiah Farnum, 1st lieutenant ; 
Epaphras Bull, 2d lieutenant ; Joseph Tinker, ensign. 

7lh company — Daniel Lyon, captain ; Elijah Sharp, 1st lieutenant ; Joseph 
Burgiss, 2d lieutenant ; John Sumner, ensign. 

8th company — Joseph Jewet, captain ; Jabez Fitch, Jr., 1st lieutenant ; Na- 
thaniel Gove, 2d lieutenant; Elisha Leffingwc!;, ensign. 

9th company— Abraham Tyler, Jr., captaiu ; Timothy Percival, 1st lieutenant ; 
Solomon Orcutt, 2d lieutenant ; Aaron Hile, ensign. 

10th company — John Ripley, captLiin , Thomas Tyrrell, 1st lieutenant ; Joel 
Cha'mberlin, 2d lieutenant ; John Vaughan, ensign. 

Rev. John Ellis, chaplain. 

Philip Turner, surgeon. 

Albigens Waldo and Filas Holmes, surjeon'i mate*. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 187 

The commissions and warrants for the officers in the troops now to be raised, 
be made similar to those for officers already in the service, and to bear date 6th 
of July, 1775. If any declinature of officers should occur, the Governor was to 
fill such vacancies. 

It was resolved, that there should be provided 48 marques, or officer's tents ; 
233 tents for soldiers ; 281 iron pots, to contain ten quarts each, or tin kettles ; 
14 brass kettles, to contain from eight to twelve gallons each, for the use of each 
regiment ; 600 wooden bowls ; 3 frying-pans for the use of each company ; 1400 
quart canns ; 20 drums ; 40 fifes, for the use of said troops ; 2 standards — for the 
seventh regiment, a blue one — for the eighth regiment, an orange ; a medicine 
chest and apparatus, of the value of j£30, to be under the direction of the sur- 
geons ; and if any apparatus or medicine should be left, it was to be returned 
to the colony ; 15 books in quarto, consisting of one quire of paper each, cov- 
ered with cartridge paper ; iialf a ream of writing paper ; 3 reams of car- 
tridge paper ; 1 cart or wagon for each company. The provisions, arms, and 
ammunition, to be provided and distributed in the same manner and proportion 
as was allowed to troops raised in April, 1775. 

Also, an act was passed for supplying the troops to be raised as aforesaid, 
with the necessary fire arms, on the same terms, and with like arms, &;c. as were 
ordered to be furnished to the six regiments previously raised, with the same 
duties devolving upon selectmen of towns, committee of pay table, captains, Hzc. 

The committee appointed in May, 1775, to procure fire arms for the use of the 
colony, were again authorized to contract for such number of arms, of like con- 
struction of those ordered in May aforesaid, as are therein directed, and to draw 
on the Treasurer for the payment of the same. 

Also, it was resolved, that the Governor and Council, (appointed to assist 
him in the recess of the Assembly,) should be authorized and empowered to 
direct the marches and stations of the troops then to be raised for the defence of 
the colony, either in whole or parts of said troops, as they should judge neces- 
sary for the public service, and to see they were furnished in every respect, and 
to every purpose, that should be needful to render the defence effectual. 

It was resolved, that Jabez Hamlin, Matthew Talcott, and Titus Hosmer, 
Esq'rs., a committee appointed in May (then) last, to work the lead mines in 
Middletown, for the use of the colony, be ordered to proceed to work the same, 
and to receive out of the colony treasury such sums of money as should be suffi- 
cient to carry the same into execution, and render their account to said Assem- 
bly. And the committee of pay table were directed to draw on the Treasurer for 
such sums as should be necessary for said purpose. 

It was resolved, that two vessels, of a suitable burden, should be immediately 
fitted, and armed with a proper number of cannon, swivel guns, and small arms, 
and furnished with necessary warlike stores, and well officered and manned, for 
the defence of the sea coast in the colony, under the care of the Governor, and 
the council appointed to assist him in the recess of the Assembly, who were 
directed to procure and furnish the same. 

It was resolved, that the Governor should draw from the colony treasury, and 
deliver to Walter Livingston, Esq. immediately, the sum of £15,000 in bills of 
credit, at the request of Gen. Philip Schuyler ; and that the Governor and Coun- 
cil should furnish Gen. Schuyler with such quantity of ammunition as they 
should judge proper and necessary. 



188 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

It was resolved, that the C^vcrnor should make a kind and friendly answer 
to the speech sent to tliis TOlony by the Oneida Indians, and procure a belt of 
wampum to be sent them ; and that tlie sum of £12 for the expense of trans- 
mitting the same should be paid out of the treasury ; and that the Governor 
should direct Col. Hinman to assure the Indians of the peaceable disposition of the 
people of the colony towards them. 

Hon. Jabez Hamlin was directed to collect the salt petre and sulphur that 
could be found in the several towns in the colony, and send it, with all despatch, 
to the powder mills in Dutchess county, to be made into powder ; and a|)ply to 
the pay table for money necessary for the service, and account to that office for 
the expenditure thereof. 

The Governor was authorized to grant permits for (he exportation of live 
cattle and provisions, by water, in such cases and to such ports as he should 
judge proper for the public service. 

A sum of money being found necessary for the payment of incidental charges 
of government, the Assembly ordered to be forthwith printed and issued £50,000 
in bills of credit on the colony, equal to lawful money, of like denominations and 
tenor of the last emissions, without interest, and payable at or before the last day 
of December, 1779, and dated July 1st, 1775. J. Hamlin, William Pitkin, Geo. 
Wyllys, Elisha Williams, Benjamin Payne, Thomas Seymour, and Jesse Root, 
Esq'rs., or any three of them, were a committee to take care of the printing, &c., 
of said bills of credit. And a sinking fund or tax of seven pence on the pound 
was levied on all polls and rateable estate in the colony, to be paid into the trea- 
sury on the last day of December, 1779, to be payable in bills of credit of this 
emission, or lawful money. 

Upon the memorial of Capt. Wm. Delaplace, Brig. Maj. Andrew P. Skeen, 
and Ensign Joseph Moland, (prisoners of war) praying that they might be kept 
together and not separated, as per memorial on file, July 6, 1775 ; it was' 
resolved, that they should not at that time be separated, but that they should be 
removed from Hartford to some other town, as should be directed by a commit- 
tee before appointed. It was also resolved, that on the arrival of Maj. Skeen 
the elder, (who had been ordered to Hartford by the Continental Congress) that 
said committee should provide him suitable lodgings in some remote part of the 
town of Hartford ; and if the committee should see fit, might permit Major 
Skeen the younger, to reside with (his father) Major Skeen the elder.* 

Josiah Hart was appointed surgeon's mate in Col. Parsons' regiment. 

Nathan Baily, of New London, presented his account for bayonets furnished 
Col. S. H. Parsons' regiment in June, 1775, then encamped at New London, of 
£50 : 8 : 2. The committee of pay table were directed to pay the same. 

The provincial Congress of Massachusetts Bay, represented to the General 
Assembly of Connecticut, that the town of Machias, and other towns and places 
in the eastern parts of the province, were then, or soon might be reduced to 
necessitous circumstances for want of provisions ; and that application had been 
made to the Assembly by said Congress, requesting that the inhabitants of said 
eastern towns might be permitted to purchase provisions in the colony of Connec- 
ticut, and transport them by water out of the colony. 

* They were removed to Mrs. Hooker's, in West Hartford. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 189 

It was therefore resolved, that if application should bo made for said pur- 
poses, by any of the inhabitants of said eastern towns to the Governor, and 
proof made to his satisfaction that tiiey were, or were likely to be in distress for 
want of necessary provisions — in such case to grant license to purchase and 
transport from the colony by land or water, to such towns. 

Daniel Strong, of Lebanon, represented that in the engagement near Charles, 
town, in the province of Massachusetts Bay, he lost a wagon in tlie service of 
the army, and forty shillings in cash, and £3 worth of clothing, and two draft 
chains ; for which loss he was allowed £16 lawful money out of the public 
treasury. 



GENERAL ASSEMBLY. 

OCTOBER SESSION. 

Session of the Governor and Company of the English colony of 
Connecticut, at New Haven, October 2d, A. D. 1775. 

Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Governor. 

(The Assistants were the same as last session, only eight present.) 

Br a resolve of said Assembly, an embargo was forthwith laid upon the expor. 
tation out of the colony, by water, of the following articles, viz.: wheat, rye, 
Indian corn, pork, beef, live cattle, peas and beans, butter, cheese, bread, flour, 
and every kind of meal, except to supply necessary stores for vessels bound to 
8oa. And the Governor was desired to issue a proclamation laying such 
embargo, to bo continued until June, 1776. Reserving to the Governor the 
privilege of giving permits, for exportation in case of public service, as he should 
judge necessary and cxpedieril. Also provided that the Governor and Council 
should be empowered to discontinue the embargo, in whole or part, at any time 
they should judge expedient. 

The Legislature having been informed that disputes had arisen amongst tho 
troops (then) lately raised in this colony, who had been sent into the colony of 
New York ; and such troops as were employed against the ministerial forces in 
Canada ; and fearing the result of such disputes, that they might be attended 
with unhappy and disastrous consequences: — Therefore resolved, that all tho 
troops which had been (then) lately raised by tliis colony and sent to the colony 
of New York, and such as were then employed against the ministerial troops ih 
Canada, should be subject to the rules, orders, regulations, and discipline of the 
Congress of the twelve United Colonies during tho time of their enlistment. 

lion. Roger Sherman, Oliver Wolcolt, Samuel Huntington, Titus Ilosmer, 
and William Williams were appointed delegates to represent the colony of Con- 
nectiout at the General Congress of tho United Colonies in America for the 
25 



190 REVOLUTIONARr WAR, 1775. 

year (then) ensuing, and ^n1 others should l)o chosen. And should either 
Roger Sherman, Wolcott,^or Huntington, fail to attend said Congress, by sick- 
ness or otherwise ; then Titus Ilosmcr or William Williams were appointed to 
supply the place or vacancy — so that three, and three only should attend the 
Congress, and act upon all measures necessary to bo pursued for the defence, 
Becurity, and preservation of the riglits and liberties of the United Colonies and 
their common safety ; and of tlieir proceedings, to transmit authentic copies to 
the General Assembly of this colony — to take their seats by the 1st day of Jan. 
uary, 1776, or as soon as Congress should convene; and tliose who were then 
attending said Congress should keep their seats until the new ones should arrive 
at said Congress. 

The committee appointed in May, 1775, to procure 3,000 stands of arms for 
the use of tlie colony, »fcc., reported, that they procured many of the arms lo be 
made in the colony, and which was then in the possession of the committee, 
but 'had not been able lo procure the 3,000 arms ordered by the act within 
the time limited. And the Assembly diiscted the committee to purchase and 
receive all the stands of arms which sliould be completed in the colony under 
said act, and delivered any time before the 1st day of Maj', 1776, and the bounty 
paid the same, as if the arms had been finished by the 20th day of Octo- 
ber, 1775. 

It was enacted, that the chief officer of every troop should cause the arms and 
ammunition of all under his command, and the chief officer of every company 
of foot should cause the arms, &c., of all under his command, and also of all 
others dwelling within the limits of iiis company, who were by law obliged lo 
keep arms, to be reviewed on the first Monday of May and October, annually ; 
and were required to bring their arms, &c., at a certain place and time, by such 
officer, or be fined for a deficiency in either arms or ammunition. 

It was also enacted, that every trooper enlisted into any troop of horse in tho 
colony, should within lliree months from the 1st day of November, 1775, furnish 
and provide himself with a suitable horse and furniture, a carbine, and every 
article of fire arms and accoutrements directed by law, and constantly have them 
in readiness for service. And such as should afterwards enlist, should wilhin 
three montiis equip himself, on penalty of being dismissed by his captain — and 
doing duty in a coinpany of foot. And if the captain should neglect his duty, 
to be fined ten shillings. 

The polls of officers and soldiers that were in the service having been omitted 
by the listers, were ordered to be entered in said lists ; and the forty shillings 
school money on every XI, 000 was ordered to be paid the same as if said polls 
had been originally added. 

It was resolved, that tlie Treasurer of the colony should receive into the 
treasury all sums of money or bills (then) lately emitted by order of the Con. 
tinental Congress, to be sent to the colony. There then being a large sum in 
the hands of William Williams, Esq.; he was ordered to deliver said bills to the 
Treasurer and take his receipt, and lodge said receipt with the Secretary of the 
colony, and to take like receipt for all sucii bills afterwards paid, and deposite 
said receipts as aforesaid. 

The Legislature appointed John Canficld, Esq., to receive out of the colony 
treasury XlSu, to be applied to the relief of sick soldiers at Ticonderoga, and in 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 191 

that vicinily. And said Canfiold was directed to apply to Colonel William 
Williams for so many continental bills as lo amount to the sum of ;Ci50. 

It was also resolved, that John Canfield, Esq., should receive out of the 
colony treasury ;C150, and forthwith repair to Ticonderoga, and apply to the 
proper officers of the United Colonies. That they should afford all proper relief 
to all sick soldiers in that quarter, who had enlisted, or on the road home, on 
the account of the United Colonies — which if refused on the account of said 
colonies, then said Canfield was directed, to relieve the soldiers enlisted in tliis 
colony, at the expense of the colony of Connecticut, and have his account 
adjusted by the committee of pay table. 

It was enacted, that a company of seventy men should bo enlisted and sta- 
tioned at New London, from the 20th day of October, 1775, until the 1st day of 
December; that a captain, two lieutenants, and an ensign should command 
them; the works begun on the old fort at New London should be finished, and 
that the men so to be enlisted be employed in perfecting the same ; and that 
the cannon at New London be mounted on said fort ; and the fort supplied with 
ono ton o'f gun powder out of the colony stores ; that a platform be erected on 
the fort, and that the colony Treasurer by orders of the committee of pay table, 
should pay to the captain of said company the sum of £100, to be laid out in 
purciiasing materials for said platform, and other expenses on said works. 

That a company of thirty men, should be enlisted, and stationed at New 
Haven, under the command of a lieutenant, from the 20th of October, until the 
1st day of December, 1775, for the defence thereof. 

That fifteen men should be enlisted, and stationed at Lyme, under the com. 
mand of a lieutenant, from the 20th of October, till the 1st day of December 
aforesaid. 

That a company of forty men should be enlisted, and stationed at Stonington, 
under a captain for the same period, for the defence thereof. 

That said officers and soldiers should receive tlie same montlily wages with 
officers and soldiers before raised for the defence of the colony. Also said 
officers and soldiers were allowed for said term, five siiillings and three pence 
per week for their billeting ; and that the officers before appointed by the 
Governor and Council of Safety should continue tiieir command of said respec- 
tive bodies of men. 

It was resolved, that the committee of pay table, as soon as might be, should 
prepare and stale an account of all tiie expense and disbursements the colony 
had been at, in raising, equipping, &c., troops raised in the colony under acts 
of said Assembly for the defence of the invaded rights of America ; and all other 
expense incurred in defence of the United Colonies, and send to the Governor 
a copy of said accounts, who was directed to transmit said copy to the Contin- 
ental Congress, and request payment of the balance due the colony. 

The committee of pay table were directed to receive, adjust, and allow what 
should be reasonable, of the accounts of physicians, surgeons, nurses, and others 
who had attended or should attend on, or support the sick troops raised by the 
colony, either sick in the service, at or before their march to or from their 
encampment, and not under the advantage of being taken care of, or the sick 
in the army. 

The news carrier from Woodstock to Hartford, through Lebanon, was con. 
tinued in said service at the public expense. 



192 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

The Governor and Comn^pie of S;ifety ordered men, to bo raised, and sta- 
tioned at Now Haven, New London, Lyme, and Slonington, from the 20tli day 
of September to the 20tli day of October, 1775. A resolution passed, that the 
committee of pay table should receive and adjust their accounts, and draw 
orders on the Treasurer for the same, and pay it to the chief officer of each 
company. 

Col. Erastus Wolcott, Samuel Wadswortb, Ezekiel Williams, Epaphras Bull, 
Henry Allyn, Col. Fislier Gay, Col. M. Talcott, Col. James Wadsworth, Jona. 
than Wclle.«, Ebcnczer White, and Col. J. Humplirey, had been appointed a 
committee to provide for a number of officers and soldiers with their families, 
&c., who were then prisoners of war in tho town of Hartford ; and the Assam, 
bly having discovered that no provision had been made for their confinement 
and support ; it was resolved, that said committee bo authorized to take care of 
and provide for said officers, &c., at public expense as before directed. 

The Governor was desired to write to the Continental Congress and state all 
matters relating to the prisoners of war, who were then, or tl)ere5fler should be 
brought into the colony ; and request Congress to direct in what manner the 
officers and soldiers who were prisoners as aforesaid, should be provided for, 
and how the expense incurred should be defrayed. Also that he should trans, 
mit a copy of Gen. Washington's letter to the committee of inspection at Hart, 
ford, respecting Maj. French and his companions, (prisoners of war) ; also said 
French's request contained in his billot to Mr. Payne, and Capt. Wm. Dola. 
place's memorial to the Legislature. 

The accounts of John Belles, Jr., and John Bolles, 3d, of New London, for 
articles supplied officers and soldiers, were referred to the commiitee of pay 
table for settlement, A.c. 

Joseph Hopkins, Esq., and Capt. Samuel Forbes, were appointed a committee 
to visit the lead mines in Now Canaan, and examine the quality of the ore, tho 
state of the mines, &,g., and report to the next Legislature. 

The Legislature having been informed that Benjamin Stiles, of Woodbury, 
had publicly and contemptuously spoken many things against the three delegates 
in Congress, from this colony, as to their ability, integrity, and uprightness, 
and against the measures that had been adopted on the continent, for the relief 
and security of the rights and privileges of our inhabitants; by which said 
Stiles had shewn his inimical temper and unfriendly disposition to the measures 
pursued for a union of defence in the American cause. It was therefore 
resolved, to cite said Sliles to appear before said Assembly, to answer to said 
charges against him ; and the Secretary of Stale was ordered to cite said Stiles 
to appear at the next session of said Assembly, and all witnesses who could 
testify in said cause. 

Jonathan Weaver, Jr., of Slonington, who was a music man in the company 
of Capt. Oliver Smith, and was dangerously wounded at Slonington Long 
Point, was allowed £12 : 4 : 4 by the Assembly. 

Daniel Gray, of Stamford, had liberty of the Assembly to transport a sloop 
load (if rye and corn to Machias and Falmouth, by giving a bond of ;C500 for 
its faithful transport to those places. 

Also, Leonard Dupan, of Cape Francais, had liberty to load his schooner with 
lumber, and export it to the West Indies. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 193 

Also, Stephen Thorp, of Fairfield, had liberty to transport a sloop load of rye, 
corn, and flour to Falmouth, Machias, or Sheepscut, by giving a bond of 
:£;500, &c. 

Increase Bradley and Peter Whitney, of Fairfield, also had liberty to ship a 
sloop load of rye and corn to Machias, Falmoutli and Sheepscut. 

It was resolved, that the situation of public affairs was such that the Assem. 
bly would not attend to any private matters before them. 

It was resolved, that as William Williams and Nathaniel Wales had received 
a sum in continental currency of the Continental Treasurer, at Philadelphia, 
for the use of the colony, that ihey should pay of said money to Samuel Bishop 
and Fisher Gay, Esq'rs., the sum of §1,678, equal to f 503 : 8 lawful money of 
sail! currency, to be by them used to disciiarge the debenture of said Assembly, 
for the session — when said Assembly, on the 25lh day of October, was adjourned 
without day. . 



GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 

SPECIAL' SESSION. 

At a General Assembly of the Governor and Company of the 
English Colony of Connecticut, holden at New Havon, by special 
order of the Governor, on the 14th day of December, A. D. 1775. 

Hon ..Jonathan Trumbull, Governor. 

Eight Assistants only in attendance. 

An act for raising and equipping a body of minute men, to be held in readiness 
for defence of the colony. 

It was enacted, that one-fourth part of the militia of the colony should bo 
forthwith selected by voluntary enlistment, with as many other able bodied men, 
not included in any militia roll, as should be inclined to enlist, to stand in read- 
iness as mmute men for the defence of tiiis and the United Colonics. And 
that the colonel or chief oificers of the respective regiments of the militia in the 
colony should forthwith give orders to the captains, or chief officers of the 
several military companies, that they should call their respective companies 
together, and enlist the fourth part of the same, with such other able bodied 
men not in any roll, as should offer to enlist. And the captains or chief officers 
of said companies should immediately execute said orders, and make return to 
the colonels or chief officers of the respective regiments ; when the field officers 
of each regiment of militia were ordered to form said men into distinct com. 
panics, consisting of about sixty-eight rank and file ; with liberty given to said 
companies to choose their officers, viz. : one captain, two lieutenants, and an 
ensign, four sargeants, one clerk, one drummer, one fifer, and four corporals. 



194 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

The field officers to lcnd^|M company to tlio choice of their commissioned 
officers, and make returns of sucli choice, with a muster roll of their company, 
to the Governor, who, on the receipt of said choice, was autliorized to grant 
tiiose elected, their commissions. 

It was further enacted, that the Governor and his conimitteo (to assist him 
in the recess of the Assembly) were authorized to form said companies into 
regiments, and to .ippoint such of the field officers of the regiments of militia, 
for the time being, to the command of the new formed regiments. 

Also, that such officers and soldiers should cqviip themselves with arms and 
ammunition, according to law, with good bayonets and knapsacks, for which 
each should be paid eight shillings at the colony treasury. The captain of each 
company to procure a drum and fife for his company, and be paid therefor. 
The companies to meet one day in each fortnight, (the three summer months 
excepted) either in whole or in such divisions not exceeding four, in number, as 
the officers should direct, for military exercise, and to be subject to the same 
penalties for absence or misbehaviour as the militia were by law ; and said 
officers and soldiers were to be paid out of the public treasury for each half day 
they should meet and exercise. That each officer should be paid, viz. : captain, 
three shillings; lieutenant, two shillings; ensign, ono shilling and six pence; 
sargeant, one shilling and six pence ; clerk, one shilling and three pence ; cor- 
porals, fifers, drummers, and private soldiers, each one shilling. 

That the officers and soldiers of the regiments and companies so raised, should 
hold themselves in constant readiness to march on the shortest notice, for the 
defence of this or [any other of the united colonies, by order of the Captain 
General of the colony, or other of their superior officers, and when so called out 
to receive like wages and billeting allowance, and be subject to the same laws 
as the enlisted soldiers were subject. Said companies so raised, to be exempted 
from military duty in any other military company or service ; to be held in said 
service during the pleasure of said Assembly, not exceeding twelve months after 
the first day of January, 1776 ; — then to be disbanded and returned into the 
militia companies. No officer or soldier to receive any of his wages until he 
should be entirely equipped and armed. It was provided that the twenty-fourth 
regiment of militia should come within the provisions of said act. 

An act passed to encourage the manufacture of salt-petre and gun powder.— 
It was enacted that a bounty of £10 should be paid on every 100 lb. of salt- 
petre or nitre made in the colony between the 1st day of June, 1776, and 1st of 
January, 1777, and in proportion for a greater or less quantity. It was provi- 
ded that if any manufacturer of salt-petre refused to give information as to the 
materials out of which salt-petre was made, or of the process of manufacturing 
it, that such person should not be entitled to such bounty. Inspectors of salt- 
petre were appointed, who were to inspect all such salt-petre on which a bounty 
was claimed ; and said inspectors were empowered to administer an oath to wit- 
nesses, proving that the article was manufactured in the colony, out of materials 
collected therein, by him or on his or their account, and that he has had no 
other certificate for the same. That such certificate should be recognized by the 
committee of pay table and paid. That each town in the colony that sent repre- 
sentatives to the General Assembly, where no works for making salt-petre had 
been erected, were enjoined, as soon as might be, to erect one set of such 
works, and carry on the manufacture of nitre and salt-petre. And the select- 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 195 

men of such towns were directed, at the expense of such towns, to erect and 
carry on one establishment for this purpose in each town. That no salt-petre or 
powder made in the colony should be exported out of it, by land or sea, without 
license of said Assembly, or the Governor and his committee, under a penalty 
of £20 for every 100 lb. It was farther enacted, that a bounty or premium of 
j£30 should be paid out of the treasury to the person who should erect the first 
powder mill in the colony, and manufacture five hundred pounds of good mer- 
chantable gun-powder. And that a premium of £30 should be paid out of the 
treasury to the person who should erect the second powder mill in the colony, 
and make five hundred pounds of good and merchantable gun-powder. The 
inspectors were directed to receive all such salt-petre as should pass inspection, 
for the colony use, and give his receipt therefor, to be paid for out of the treasury 
at sush price as the General Assembly should fix. It was enacted that no powder 
mill should be erected in the colony without license from and given by the Gene- 
ral Assembly, on penalty of £30. 

An act for restraining and punishing persons inimical to the liberties of this 
and other of the united colonies, &c. It was enacted, that if any person within 
the colony should directly or indirectly supply the ministerial army or navy with 
provisions, military or naval stores, or should give any intelligence to the officers, 
soldiers, or mariners belonging to said army or navy, or should enlist or pro- 
cure others to enlist into the service of said army or navy, or should take up 
arms against this or any of the united colonies, or should undertake to pilot any 
of the vessels belonging to their navy, or should in any other way aid or assist 
them, and be thereof duly convicted before the Superior Court, should forfeit all 
his estate, which should be seized by order of said Court for the use of the colo- 
ny ; — and should be further punished by imprisonment in any gaol in the colony, 
at the discretion of the court, not exceeding three years. It was also enacted, 
that if any person, by writing or speaking, or by any overt act, should libel or 
defame any resolves of the Congress of the united colonies, or the acts or pro- 
ceedings of the General Assembly of Ihe colony, that were made or should be 
made for the defence or security of the rights and privileges of the same, and 
be duly convicted before the Superior Court, should be disarmed, allowed to 
keep no arms, and made incapable to hold or serve in any office, civil or military, 
and be further punished, either by fine, imprisonment, or disfranchisement, and 
find surety of the peace, as the court should order, and pay ?he cost of prose- 
cution. 

It was further enacted, that on complaint being made to the civil authority, 
selectmen, and committee of inspection of the several towns in the colony, 
against any person residing in such town, or an adjoining town in the same coun- 
ty, where there was not a committee of inspection, that they were inimical to 
the liberties of the colony, and the other united colonies in America, it should be 
the duty of the civil authority, selectmen, and committee to cause every such 
person to appear before them to be examined ; an^ if on examination they should 
not be able to satisfy said authority, selectmen, and committee, or the maior 
part of them, that they were not inimical to this or the other united American 
colonies ; then such person or persons should be by order of said authority, 
selectmen, and committee, or by a majority of them, disarmed, until they should 
satisfy a majority of them that they were friendly to this and the other colonies. 



196 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

And for the more effectu|j|^ carrying Baid act into effect, it was further enact- 
ed, that when any person should be duly convicted, and ordered to be disarmed, 
that the Superior Court, or civil authority, selectmen, and committee, (as the 
case might be,) were empowered to issue a warrant, signed by the Clerk of the 
Superior Court, or by one at least of said civil authority, directed to the sheriffs, 
ordering such officer forthwith to disarm him or them ; and if such person should 
refuse to give up his arms, then the officer by and with the advice of one of 
said authority, or two justices, was authorized to raise the militia of the county, 
or any part of them, to aid in executing the warrant; and if said officers and 
soldiers should refuse to obey said sheriff, that they should be subject to the 
same penalty as in other cases of refusing to obey the sheriff in his office ; and 
it was made the duty of all informing officers to make presentment of all 
breaches of said law. 

It also enacted,, that on information being made to any County Court in the 
colony, by the selectmen of any town, that there were real estates in such town 
owned by any person who had since the making of the act aforesaid put, or 
should continue to hold or screen themselves under the protection of the ministe- 
rial army or navy, or should have aided in carrying into execution, the ministe- 
rial measures against the colonies ; that in such case, that the County Court 
within the county where such land might lie, were authorized to issue a warrant, 
and attach the estate. And if on enquiry said court should find the facts true, 
then said courts were directed to place such property in the care of some proper 
person, to improve said estate for the use of the colony, and account for the 
rents to the colony. 

The Treasurer of the colony by law was empowered to make sale of all 
esclieats, and of all lands that then were or should bo recovered of any person, 
to the public Treasury, to be sold only at public vendue, and by appraisement 
made by three judicious freeholders under oath, or private sale, as the Treasurer 
should judge would conduce most to the benefit of the colony, and execute deeds 
accordingly. 

In May, 17G9, the military exercise called the JVorfolk Militia Exercise^ was 
ordered to be the military exercise in this ctolony. And the Legislature finding 
that the continental army had adopted the Manual Exercise, so called, directed 
by His Majesty, in 1764, which was deemed preferable for actual service ; there, 
fore it was resoived, tiiat in future the military exercise culled the Manual 
Exercise, ordered by His Majesty, in 17G4, shall be observed and practised by 
the militia in this colony ; and that the colonel and chief commanding officer 
of the regiment give orders to the commanding officers of each company under 
their command accordingly. 

A law was also enacted for the punishment of deserters. That if any soldier 
or marine who had been regularly enlisted in the service of the colony, who 
should depart without license of his commander, and desert the service, or 
deserlin-g from another colony into this, that it should bo the duty of all persons, 
and particularly constables and grand jurors immediately to give notice thereof 
to the next assistant or justice, who were required to issue warrants, and forth- 
with apprehend them and commit them to gaol, &c. 

And if any person should harbor a deserter, knowing him to be such, he was 
made liable to pay to the Treasurer of the colony a sum not exceeding £\o, or 
be imprisoned not exceeding two mouths. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177o. 197 

Tlie Legislature being desirous to encourage the future service of tlie non. 
commissioned officers and soldiers, and to favor those with some token of appro, 
bation who had conducted meritoriously, and served out faithfully their stipu- 
lated time of service — passed an act, that those non-commissioned officers and 
soldiers who liad faithfully discharged their duties during the campaign then 
past, should bo exempted from paying any taxes arising on their polls on the 
list of 1775 ; and that those who had or should enlist into the continental army 
for the (then) ensuing campaign, should also be exempted from the poll tax on 
the list of 1776; and also tliat their bodies should be exempt from arrests for 
debts during their term of service. 

A la\y was passed that the commander-in-chief of the army, or any officer in the 
service of the united colonics, commanding any detachment or out post, should be 
authorized to administer an oath on any matters relative to the public service. 

It was resolved, that the delegates of the General Congress of the united 
colonies, should be annually chosen by the Assembly, at their session in October, 
and that the delegates directed to attend, should so attend on the 1st day of 
January then next after their election, (if Congress should be then in session); 
always provided, tliat the old members should continue to hold their seats, 
until the new elected members should arrive and take their seals in Congress. 

The Legislature resolved,, that the selectmen, for the time being, of each 
town in the colony, should be inspectors of nitre and salt petre made in th^ 
colony, with the same authority as olher inspectors of salt |)etre by a former act. 
Titus Hosmer, Ephraini Strong, John Holbrook, Jabez Hamlin, Esq'rs., and 
Doct. John Dickinson, were appointed a committee to examine where any 
mines or mineral substances that contained sulphur might be found in the colony, 
and procure experienced workmen to make experiments on ores, that they 
might be able to judge of the expense of manufacturing sulphur, &c., and mako 
report to the next session, or to the Governor. And that in case the commit. 
tee should report to the Governor, that the Governor with his Council of Safety, 
should be empowered to give orders to said committee to proceed in the manu- 
facture of sulphur for the use and at the expense of the colony, for the purpose 
of being manufactured into powder for the colony. 

Col. David Waterbury was appointed a committee to purchase a brigantine of 
John Griggs for the use of the colony, to bo fitted as an armed vessel for the 
defence of the coast, and he was authorized to pay for said vessel, not to exceed 
the sum of ;C1,00(), and to take an inventory of all appurtenances belonging to 
said brigantine, with a bill of sale to the Governor and company of the colony ; 
and make report to said Assembly in case he should purchase said vessel, and 
proceed with her to New Haven with all convenicint despatch. 

Col. David Waterbury and Capt. Isaac Sears, were also appointed a commit- 
tee to enquire after a suitable vessel to bo improved as an armed vessel in defence 
of the colony, either to purchase or charier, with their estimate and opinions, 
to report during the session. 

Col. Waterbury and Capt. Sears were also appointed to view and examine a 
brigantine at Greenwich, and report whether in their opinion she was fit to be 
improved for an armed vessel for the defence of the colony, together with the 
terms of sale or charter. 

It was resolved, that the troops stationed on the sea coast, in (.his colony, by 
order of the Governor and Council of Safety, should be continued in Bervice. 

26 



198 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

And that the battery of G||^n should be furnished with six cannon, 32 pound- 
ers, or in heu thereof, six 24 pounders. And that the battery at Stonington 
should be supplied with six cannon, two 18 and four 12 pounders. And that the 
battery at New Haven should be supplied with sixteen cannon, viz : six 18 and 
ten 12 pounders. And that the harbor at Milford should be furnished with six of 
the cannon then at New Haven, if they could be obtained. And the Governor 
and his Council of Safety were empowered to supply the batteries with cannon 
and ammunition, from time to time, as they should find necessary ; with power 
vested in the Governor and Council of Safety, to augment, disband, or discharge 
any or all the troops then stationed on the sea coast, from time to time, as they 
should judge expedient. 

Capt. Giles Hall, commander of the brigantine Minerva, in the colony service, 
was directed forthwith to deliver Jonathan Fitch, Esq. at New Haven, all the 
guns and warlike stores on board said brigantine, and dismiss as many hands as 
he should think proper, reserving enough to sail said vessel into Connecticut 
river, and sail her with all possible despatch to Rocky Hill, and deliver her to 
the owner, according to the charter ; and make up his bill and muster roll, and 
lay them before the committee of pay table for payment, &c. 

The Governor and his committee were directed to build, or otherwise procure, 
one armed vessel in addition to those before ordered, and four row gallies, suita- 
bly manned, armed, and equipped for the defence of this and the neighboring 
colonies. 

The colonel of each regiment of militia in the colony, (except the 24th regi- 
ment,) or in the absence of the colonel, the chief officer in the regiment was 
ordered, as soon as might be, or at the time of enlisting minute men, to cause 
the arms and ammunition of all the militia under their command, to be viewed 
and examined, and an account taken thereof; also, an account of the ammuni- 
tion in the several town stocks in each regiment, and an exact account of the 
several sorts and quantity of ammunition that each town had supplied or diliv- 
ered out of their town stocks for the use of the troops in the continental service ; 
also, an account of the number of companies and troops in their regiments, 
with the names of commissioned officers, and number of men in each, and forth- 
with make returns to the Captain General. 

William Samuel Johnson, Esq., for the counties of Fairfield and Litchfield ; 
Titus Hosmer, Esq., for the county of Hartford ; Samuel Bishop, Esq., for New 
Haven county ; and Nathaniel Miner, Esq., for the counties of New London and 
Windham, were appointed to procure a just and an authenticated account of the 
hostilities committed by the ministerial troops or navy, where damage had been 
done to the property or person of any in the colony, after the month of March, 
1775 ; with the evidence of the facts by them related ; the number and value of 
the vessels, either inward or outward bound, which had been seized by them 
since said March ; also, as near as might be, their value with their cargoes 
when taken, and make return to the Governor of the colony, that he should be 
enabled to make proper returns to the committee of the Continental Congress, 
according to the resolution of Congress.* 

* The report of this committee, having been returned to the Governor, is not 
found in the Secretary's office, but is probably with Governor Trumbull's other 
executive papers, at Boston. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 199 

The Governor was authorized to appoint a chaplain to each regiment in the 
continental service from this colony, with the same wages that had been allowed 
chaplains in the last campaign ; and as a further inducement, granted to each 
chaplain that should thereafter so serve, the sum of forty shillings per month 
during their actual service, to enable them to supply their respective pulpits with 
preaching in their absence. 

Hon. Andrew Adams, attorney of the king for Litchfield county, informed 
that Benjamin Kilbourn who was a lieutenant in the 1st military company in 
Litchfield, had at sundry times, declared that he wished there were ten hundred 
thousand regular troops then landed in the colony, and that he would join them 
to subdue the Americans, who were in a state of rebellion ; that the commanding 
officer who fired upon the town of Falmouth, treated the inhabitants too mildly 
and gently, much more so than he would have done, if he had had the command ; 
that he would join the regulars, and would kill some of the inhabitants of the 
colony, &:c. &c. The Legislature cashiered the said Benjamin of his office, and 
an order was given to fill the vacancy in said company. And said attorney was 
ordered by said Assembly to prosecute said Benjamin for his offences. 

William and George Pitkin had license of the Assembly for erecting a mill for 
manufacturing of gun powder about three miles east of Connecticut river, in 
Hartford. 

The information of Peter Bulkley, vs. Henry Champion, of Colchester, was 
continued to the next session with an order of notice. 

David Hawley, of Stratford, made a voyage to the West Indies, with a small 
cargo on board, to purchase a quantity of gun powder if it could be obtained, 
under the advice of the committee of inspection of Stratford and Fairfield ; that 
he went to several West India Islands and could procure only 100 pounds of gun 
powder ; that he made a contract there to be supplied with a cargo of gun 
powder, if he should be permitted to make a second voyage ; that on his return 
voyage he had found that the Governor's proclamation continuing the first 
embargo, that had expired a few days before he sailed to the West Indies ; that 
he had it not in his heart to disobey the laws of his country — and asked the 
Assembly to exempt him from prosecution or punishment, and that he should be 
directed as to the disposal of said gun powder. Said Hawley was exempted 
from punishment, and ordered to divide said powder equally between the towns 
of Fairfield and Stratford. 

Adam Babcock, of New Haven, had liberty given to export 5,000 pounds of 
cheese to North Carolina, to defray his expense of a voyage there to recover his 
debt, fo| the sale of a brigantine there sold ; provided he should procure a quan- 
tity of rice for the use of the army. 

Liberty was given to Jedediah Elderkin and Nathaniel Wales, Jr., to erect a 
powder mill in the town of Windham, for manufacturing gun powder, pursuant 
to an act of said Assembly. 

A further day of payment to Aaron Elliott, of Killingworth, was given for the 
sum of £500 due the colony. 

Thomas Darling, Amos Botsford, and Jeremiah Atwater, were appointed a 
committee, to enquire into the claims of Eliphalet A. Beecher, of New Haven, for 
flums of money expended in procuring teams, in the (then) last war. 

Daniel CliflPord, of Fairfield, had exported in his boat to New York, four 
bushels of Indian corn, and sold of it one bushel and a half, and returned to Fair- 



200 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 

field with the remaindcr,^^ knowing the embargo was continued — asked the 
Assembly to exempt him from prosecution, which was granted. 

The Treasurer of the colony was directed to pay the Hon. Oliver Wolcott 
and Samuel Huntington, the sum of £200 towards defraying their expense of 
attendance on the Continental Congress, as delegates from Connecticut, and to 
take their receipts to account. 

The General Assembly was adjourned by proclamation, on the 14th day of 
December, 1775. 



GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 

MAY SESSION. 

General Assembly of the Governor and Company of the English 
Colony of Connecticut, at Hartford, held on the 2d Thursday of 
May, (being the 9th day of the month) and continued until the 8th 
day of June, A. D. 1776. 

Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Governor. 

An act repealing the act of the colony, against high treason, wag passed 
in these words — " That the aforesaid act and every part and paragraph, thereof 
"be and the san)o is hereby repealed and made null and void." 

The forms of oaths at this session were changed and established, swearing to 
be true and faithful to the Governor and company of the colony, and tlio gov- 
ernment thereof. The oath of allegiance was also repealed. 

The paragraph of an act for preventing and punishing riots and rioters, was 
repealed, and the form of the proclamation altered so as to read " the Gover- 
nor and company of this colony, charge and command all persons, &c." (and 
not his Miijesly.) 

The following acts for forming the militia, and encourugement of military 
Bkill, &c., were also passed, viz. : 

An act in further addition to an act, entitled, an act for forming anckregula- 
ting the mijitia, and for the encouragement of military skill, for the better 
defence of this colony. 

Be it enacted by the Governor, Council, and Representatives, in General 
Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, that all the troops of horse 
in this colony, shall be formed into regiments of light horse as followeth, viz.: 

That the troops of horse in the first, second, sixth, seventh, tenth, and twenty, 
third regiments of militia, be, and they are hereby made and declared to be one 
entire and distinct regiment of lighl^ horse, and shall be distinguished and called 
by the name of the first regiment. 

That the troops of horse in the third, eighth, twelfth, twentieth, and twenty, 
fifth regiments of militia, be, and they are hereby made and declared to be one 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776, 201 

entire and distinct regiment of liglit iiorse ; and shall be distinguished and called 
by the name of the second regiment. 

That the troops of horse in the fourth, ninth, and sixteenth regiments of 
militia, bo, and they are hereby declared to be one entire and distinct regiment 
of light horse; and shall be distinguished and called by the name of the third 
regiment. 

That the troops of horse in the fifTli, eleventh, nineteenth, twenty-first, and 
twenty-second regiments of militia, be, and they are hereby declared to be one 
entire and distinct regiment of light horse; and shall be distinguished and called 
by llie name of the fourth regiment. 

Tiiat the troops of horse in tho thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth, seventeenth, 
and eighteenth regiments of militia, be, and they are hereby declared to be one 
entire and distinct regiment of light horse ; and shall be distinguished and called 
by the name of the fifth regiment. 

That there shall be only one colonel and one lieutenant colonel to command 
the whole, and one major in each of sajd regiments, from time to time appointed 
by the General Assembly, who shall be commissioned by tho Governor of 
this colony for the time being. And the said colonel, lieutenant colonel, and 
the majors of each of said regiments, shall be subject to the command of the 
general or commander-in-chief of the militia for the time being, and shall have 
the same duty, powers, and authority, as the officers of tho same rank in the 
regiments of militia already by law have. And said regiments of light horse 
ehall be liable to such regimental duty as the regiments of militia are already by 
law liable. 

And be it further enacted, that every trooper, already enlisted in any troop of 
light horse in this colony, shall equip himself with arms and accoutrements, 
according to law, within three months next after tho rising of this Assembly ; 
And that every person that shall hereafter enlist into any of said troops of light 
horse, shall, within six months next after his enlistment, equip and accoutre 
himself as aforesaid; and in default thereof, such trooper or troopers shall be 
reduced to the foot company or companies, within the limits of which they 
inhabit, and be liable to do duty in the same, as he or they were before they 
enlisted into such troop, as aforesaid; any law or usage to the contrary not- 
withstanding. 

Also an act as^follows, viz. : Be it enacted by the Governor, Council, and 
Representatives, in General Court assembled, and by tho authority of the same, 
that whensoever any soldier or soldiers, belonging to any of tho regiments in 
this colony, shall refuse to muster and march, according to orders given him by 
his commanding officer, for the purposes mentioned in said act; such soldior, 

so refusing, shall suffi^r the penalty of pounds lawful money, for the use of 

the colony; any law, usage, or custom to the contrary notwithstanding. 

The act establishing naval officers and governing the same, is as follows, viz. : 
Be it enacted by the Govornor, Council, and Representatives, in General 
Court assembled, and by authority of tiie same, that tho Governor for the time 
being shall be naval officer in this colony. 

And be it further enacted by the authority afoiesaid, that there shall be kept 
at the port of New London one naval office, at the port of New Haven one 
other naval office, at the port of Middletown one other naval office, and at the 
port of Norwalk one other naval office : and that the Governor for the time 



202 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 

being depute Eome proper ^^on at each of Baid ports as naval officers, and 
take bond, with sufficient surely, in the sum of one thousand pounds, for tho 
faithful discharge of tiieir duly therein, lo enter and clear out vessels and tlieir 
cargoes, and to do and act therein in such way and manner, and according to 
such rules and orders, as to such their offices respectively appertain. 

Whereas it is recommended by the Honorable Continental Congress to the 
several Legislatures in tho united colonies, as soon as possible, to erect courts 
of justice, or give jurisdiction to the courts now in being, for the purpose of 
determining concerning captures, &c., and to provide that all trials in such case, 
be had by a jury, under sucli qualifications as to the respective Legislatures shall 
eeem expedient. 

Be it therefore enacted by the Governor, Council, and Representatives, in 
General Court assembled, and by tiie authority of the same, that the respective 
county courts in this colony be, and they are hereby autiiorizod, empowered, 
constituted and appointed to try, judge, and determine, by jury or otherwise, as 
in other cases, concerning all captures ijiut have or shall be taken and brought 
into said respective counties: and tiiat the civil law, the laws of nations, and 
the resolutions of Congress, be the rule of their adjudications, determinations, 
and proceedings therein. And said respective county courts are hereby author- 
ized and empowered to constitute and appoint such proper officers under them, 
as they sliall find necessary and expedient for the purposes aforesaid. 

Be it further enacted by tiie authority aforesaid, that appeals, be allowed to 
the Continental Congress, under tlie restrictions, and agreeable to the direc- 
tions and resolves of said Congress. And that the fees for said court, and tho 
respective officers thereof, be reasonable, and such as are customary in the 
neighboring colonies, or may be established by said Congress, or by this Assem- 
bly. And tho judge of said respective county courts is hereby authorized to call 
said court, for said purpose, at any place within tlio respective counties, as shall 
bo most convenient and expedient. 

An act for the more efFectually carrying into execution several acts relative 
to making salt petie and gun powder was passed, as follows, viz. . 

Whereas by an act of this Assembly, in May, 1775, there was a premium of 
four shillings on the pound granted Cor all salt petre made in this colony, before 
the first day of June, 177G ; and in December, 1775, a bounty or premium of 
two shillings on tho pound for all salt petre nianutactured in this colony, from 
and after the first day of June, 1776, and before the first day of January, 1777 ; 
and that inspectors should be appointed to view and inspect the same, and 
administer an oath and certify as therein directed ; and purchase and receive 
the same for the use of the colony ; and by a further act, in the same sessions, 
it was resolved, that the selectmen in each town, within this colony, shall be 
the inspectors of salt petre, with all the powers and authorities by said acts 
given to inspectors of salt petre, &.c. But no time being mentioned in said acts 
for delivering the salt petre to the inspectors, nor price affixed for the purchase ; 
and sundry other regulations being necessary to carry the aforesaid acts into 
execution. Be it therefore enacted, by the Governor, Council, and Rcpresenta. 
tives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, that for all 
the salt petre made in this colony, before the first day of Juno, 1776, on which 
the premium of four shillings on the pound is claimed, shall be delivered for 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 203 

inspection, to the selectmen, authorized and empowered to inspect the same, or 
be by them inspected, within fifteen days at fiirlhest, after the last day of May, 
instant ; and that after the first day of Juno, tlie manufacturers producing tlie 
same for inspection, shall make oath before tiie inspector or inspectors, that the 
said nitre or salt petre produced as aforesaid, was made and manufactured before 
the first day of June, otherwise it shall be considered as made after ; and that all 
the salt petre made as aforesaid, after the last day of May, and before the first 
day of January next, in order to be entitled to the premium of two sliillings on 
the pound, shall be treated and conducted in the same manner, having respect 
to the first day of January, as before, to the first day of June ; and that upon 
the whole it shall be the duty of the inspector or inspectors, carefully to see 
that all the salt petre offered or delivered to them for inspection, be pure, clean, 
and dry, and free from any corrupt mixture, before they give any certificate of 
the same, and on the same being so found, shall give a certificate thereof, with 
the other requisites, before cither the premium or purchase money shall be 
paid therefor, and the salt petre produced to the inspectors as aforesaid, shall 
be delivered in casks or other packages proper and sufficient for transportation 
to the powder works, with the maker's name and the name of the town wherein 
made, fairly marked ihereon. 

And be it further enacted, that for all the salt petre made and manufactured 
in this colony, before the first day of January next, inspected and found to be 
pure, clean, dry and unmixed, and fit for use, according to law, and so delivered 
to the inspector or inspectors, in proper packages, marked as aforesaid, for the 
use of this colony, shall be paid therefor, out of the colony treasury, the sum 
of three shillings per pound, for every pound, only deducting therefrom one 
halfpenny on each pound delivered as aforesaid, as a general estimate on the 
^hole, for transportation to the respective powder mills, erected and allowed in 
this colony, and for other charges attending the same. Provided nevertheless, 
that all persons who have made and manufactured salt petre, and have already 
procured the same to be inspected, and delivered to the inspector for the use of 
this colony, shall be entitled to receive the price aforesaid therefor, notwith- 
standing the same may not be put up in casks or packages marked as afore- 
said. 

And it is further enacted, that the several inspectors convey and deliver, with 
all convenient despatch, all the salt petre by them received as aforesaid, to the 
owner or owners of the several powder mills in this colony, assigned by the 
Governor and Committee of Safety for the time being, to receive the same, 
taking his or their receipt therefor, and the same transmit and lodge with the 
committee of pay table. And the inspector or inspectors performing their duty, 
as aforesaid, shall be entitled to a reasonable allowance for his or their trouble 
and services, as aforesaid, to be adjusted by the committee of pay table, who 
shall order payment of the same accordingly. 

And to the intent that all frauds, and impure or corrupt mixtures may be de- 
tected, and the persons concerned therein be duly punished : 

Be it enacted, that the inspector or inspectors delivering, as also the owner, 
owners, or overseers of the powder mills, receiving the salt petre as aforesaid, 
shall make and keep a true, just, and fair entry, of all the salt petre delivered 
and received as aforesaid, and of the names of the makers thereof. And who- 
ever shall be found guilty, and be convicted of any fraudulent and impure 



204 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 

mixture, in the salt petre by Jtam made and delivered for inspection as aforesaid, 
shall forfeit to the Treasurer of this colony, the value of the premium and pay, 
granted and allowed on the salt petre in which such mixture shall be found. 

And the owner or owners of the several powder mills, shall well, truly, and 
faithfully make up, or cause to be made, all the salt petre delivered to them as 
aforesaid, into good, merchantable powder, well dried, fit for use, and find all 
the other materials necessary therefor, and the same put up in good, tight, siza- 
ble casks, which shall contain either one hundred, one half, or one quarter hun- 
dred weight of powder each, marked with the just and true weight of the cask, 
and also with the initial letters of the maker's name, and the same deliver to the 
Governor and Committee of Safety of this colony, or to their order, for the use 
of this colony ; and shall receive therefor, out of the colony treasury, at the rate 
of nine dollars per hundred, for every hundred weight of good, merchantable 
powder, made and delivered as aforesaid, upon a certificate thereof, had and 
obtained of the Governor, or Governor and Committee of Safety, produced to 
the committee of pay table of this colony. 

Be it further enacted, that the Governor and Committee of Safety, for the time 
being, from time to time, order, and give directions for the disposition of all 
their powder, made at the several powder mills within this colony, and, if need 
be, erect convenient houses for the reception of the same, in such places as they 
think proper. 

The article of salt being of great importance, and obtaining it by importation 
difficult, uncertain, and dangerous ; the Legislature, to encourage the manufac- 
ture of salt in the colony, offered a premium of j£100, to be paid out of 
the public treasury of the colony, to the person or persons, who should erect 
proper works and vats for manufacturing salt in the colony, and make the 
first five hundred bushels of good merchantable salt ; and the sum of £80 to th(A 
person who should erect works, &c., and manufacture the second five hundred 
bushels of salt ; and the sum of £60 for the manufacture of the third quantity of 
five hundred bushels of common salt ; and the sum of £40 to the fourth person 
who should manufacture five hundred bushels as aforesaid. Provided that said 
salt should be made, and a certificate under oath should be produced by or before 
the first day of October, 1777. 

An act for raising and equipping a body of minute men, to be held in readi- 
ness for the better defence of the colony ; and for repealing an act for the same 
purpose, enacted December, 1775, The Legislature, finding that the American 
colonies were threatened with immediate ministerial power, and great exertions 
were making to reduce the colonies to obedience and bondage by their own and 
foreign additional troops, which at the time were daily expected to invade the 
colonies ; it was deemed of great importance for the safety and salvation of this 
country, that the inhabitants should be put in the best situation possible for self- 
defence : — It was therefore ordered, that one-third part of the 2d, 3d, 4lh, 7th, 8th> 
9th, and 20th regiments ; and one-fourth part of the other regiments of militia, 
or a number equal thereto, should be forthwith enlisted, or detailed from the 
limits of the several regiments in the colony, to be held in readiness for the 
defence of this or any of the adjoining colonies. And that it should be imme- 
diately effected ; the colonels or chief officers of the regiments, were directed 
forthwith to order the chief officer of each company in their regiments to con- 
vene their companies, (and all others within the limits of said companies who 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 205 

were obliged to keep arms, and under 55 and over 16 years of age,) then to en- 
list out of any of tliem the number aforesaid. But if a sufficient number should 
not voluntarily enlist, the captain, with the advice and assistance of the other 
commissioned officers, were directed to detach and impress out of said con)pa- 
nies to make the complement required ; and those detached to perform like du- 
ties with those who should enlist, on a penalty of j£ 10 for refusing; and the 
captains, &c. were to make immediate returns to their respective colonels. — 
The field officers were then ordered to form said men into companies of about 
sixty-eight rank and file ; and with the advice of the captains and commissioned 
officers of said companies, nominate officers for said new companies, viz : 1 cap- 
tain, 2 lieutenants, and 1 ensign, out of such as had or did then hold commis- 
sions of equal rank, and return a muster roll, and their doings to the Governor, 
who was authorized to commission said officers. The Governor and Committee 
of Safety was then authorized to form said companies into regiments, and place 
them under field militia officers, to take the command of the new troops, as he 
should think proper. And said officers and soldiers were ordered to equip them- 
selves to the acceptance of the captains, and the same hold in constant readi- 
ness for service ; for which it was provided they should receive a premium of 
40 shillings each. The captain of each company was ordered to procure a 
drum and fife, to be paid for by the colony ; all which it was made the duty of 
the captains and commissioned officers to see performed — furnished with arms 
and equipped ; and if any soldier was found deficient in arms, and arms could 
not be obtained, they were ordered to impress them, by a warrant for that pur- 
pose, by the civil authority ; for which deficienc}', said soldier was to lose half 
his premium, which was to be paid for tlie use of impressed arms, &c. Officers 
and minute men to be allowed for necessary time to meet for exercise, at the 
rate before allowed in like cases. And said officers and soldiers were to hold 
themselves in constant readiness to march at the shortest notice, by order of the 
Captain General, or other superior officers ; and when in actual service, to receive 
the same "wages and billeting as other troops before raised in the colony. Also 
to be exempt from duty in other military companies. To be held in service not 
exceeding one year after the 1st day of June, 1776, then to be disbanded. (This 
act not to be extended to include the twenty-fourth regiment.) 

It was also enacted, that the third part of the 3d, Cth, and 20th regiments, and. 
a fourth part of the militia in the 1st regiment, and the remainder on the east 
side of Connecticut river, then lately ordered by the Governor and Committee 
of Safety to be drafted, equipped, and held in readiness according to order. — 
The act raising minute men, passed December 1, 1775, was repealed by this act, 
and made void. And such men as were raised under said repealed act, were 
made minute men under this act. And those minute men raised under this act, 
not to be continued in service more than three months at one time, before reliev- 
ed, or permitted to return home. No premium was to be paid to either officer 
or soldier until completely equipped ; directing such, (if an)') who had received 
a premium and not equipped, the premium to be deducted from his wages. 

An act for raising a battalion or regiment of troops to march to Boston, or 
elsewhere, (in pursuance of a requisition, then made by the Continental Con- 
gress, for the defence of the united colonies,) was passed ; in which it was pro- 
vided, that the first reg-iment or battalion of troops should be forthwith raised in 
the colony, by voluntary enlistment, for the defence of the colonies ; to consist 
27 



206 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1770. 

of 1 colonel, 1 lieutenant (^iBicl, 1 major, and eight companies, with 1 captain, 
2 lieutenants, 1 ensign, 4 sargcants, 4 corporals, 1 drummer, 1 filer, and 76 pri- 
vates to each conii)any ; and a staff of 1 chaplain, 1 adjutant, 1 quarter mas- 
ter, 1 surgeon, and 1 surgeon's mate ; to be under the same laws, rules, and reg- 
ulations as continental troops then were ; same pay, wages, allowances, billeting, 
provisions, premiums for arms, See. to be enlisted for and holden in said service, 
two years from the 14th of May, 1776, unless sooner discharged by Congress ; 
and if so discharged, to be allowed one months pay on their discharge ; or 
enlisted for one year only from the said 14th of May, and be accordingly held, 
unless sooner discharged. 

And to cncounigc men to enlist in said service, it was resolved, that the pay 
of each sargcant should bo 48 shillings ; C()r|)ora!, 44 shillings ; diuininer and 
fifer each, 44 sliillings ; each private, 40 shillings per calendar month during 
their service, and one months pay in advance before they should march, and 
allowed one penny per mile for expenses out and home, and 12 shillings to each 
man who should supply himself a good blanket, and take it wilh him until the 
close of the campaign ; and such iurther encouragements as were allowed by 
Congress to the forces then raising for said servici;. 

The alarming movements of the ministerial army and navy, were such as 
rendered it probable that a sudden attack would soon be made by them upon this 
and the other colonies; the Legislature, therefore, deemed it necessary to raise 
two additional regiments of troops within the colony ; that one regiment of the 
inhabitants should be immediately raised by voluntary enlistment ; that the 
troops then raised at and about New London and New Haven should be aug. 
nionted into a second regiment, for the special defence of this and the other colo- 
nies, as the case should require. Each regiment to consist of 1 colonel, 1 lieuten- 
ant colonel, 1 major, and eight companies with 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 1 ensign, 
4 sargeants, 4 corporals, 1 drummer, 1 fifer, and 76 privates to each company; 
and the usual staff to each regiment, and the same pay, wages, billeting, pro. 
visions, premiums for supplying themselves with arms, accoutrements, &,c., as 
was given to the troops raised in April, 1775, and under the same laws, regula- 
tions, &.C. To be held in service until the 1st day of January, 1777, unless 
sooner discharged. To be marched and stationed from time to time under the 
orders of the Captain General ; to be subject to join the continental army, if so 
ordered by tin! Governor ; and if so, to bo under the same laws, regulations, 
pay, &c., as the troops in the conlinonlal arn>y, and subject to the same general 
command. 

And in case that the troops so raised should neglect, or be unable to furnish 
arms, &c., for the premium, they were to be furnished as provided for furnish, 
ing troops raised in July, 1775. 

And for the eneour.igement to men to enlist as aforesaid, it was enacted, that 
each person on such enlistment should be entitled to 12 sliillings premium, if 
he should supply himself with a blanket, knapsack, and clothing, to the 
acceptance of his captain, and one months pay advanced. Each sargeant to 
receive 48 shillings ; corporal, drummer, and fifer eaf3h, 44 shillings ; and pri- 
vates 40 shillings, per calendar month for wages during service. Each supply- 
ing himself svith arms, with a good bayonet and cartoueh box, to be paid a 
premium of 10 shillings ; which arms, &c., if lost by acci<lent, to be paid for, 
deducting the premium of 10 shillings. An account to be taken of all the 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776, 207 

arms, &c., and appraised by disinferesled freeholders. Each man so engagingf, 
to be entitled on his enlistment to 6 pence per day for billeting money, until 
otherwise provided by the public. And if said troops so to be raised, should, by 
order of the Captain General, join the continental army or service, then they 
were to be entitled to the same wages, and ono penny per mile out and home 
fur marching expenses, and 12 shillings for each who should supply himself 
with a blanket, and such other encouragement as would be given to the conti- 
nental troops. 

This Assembly do appoint, Andrew Ward, colonel ; Obadiah Johnson, lieu, 
tenant colonel ; and William Douglass, in.ijor of the regiment now to be raised 
in this colony, to serve in the continental army. 

Also David Waterbury, Jr., colonel; Comfort Sage, lieutenant colonel ; and 
Oliver Smith, of Slonington, major, to be stationed at or near New London. 

Benjamin Ilinman, colonel ; Philip Burr Bradley, lieutenant colonel ; and 
David Dimon, major of a regiment now to bo raised fur the defence of the 
colony. 

This Assembly appointed, Joseph Thomson, of New Haven, captain of a 
company, in a regiment to be raised and stationed at and about New London 
and New Haven; Samuel Wilmott, of New Haven, 1st lieutenant; John Prud- 
den, Jr., of Milford, 2d lieutenant ; Edward Tiley, of New Haven, ensign. 

Jonathan Welles, of Hartford, captain of a company ; David Johnson, of 
East Windsor, 1st lieutenant ; Howell Woodbridge, of Glastenbury, 2d lieulen. 
ant ; Roger Bull, of Wctliersfiuld, ensign. 

Abiel Pease, of Somers, captain of a company ; Thomas Abby, of Enfield, 1st 
lieutenant ; Israel Converse, of SUifTord, 2d lieutenant ; Abner Wood, of Staf. 
ford, ensign. 

Eliphalet Bulkley, of Colchesler, captain of a company ; Thomas Harvey, of 
East Haddam, 1st licmtenant; Richard Johnson, of Haddam, 2d lieutenant ; 
David Spencer, of East Haddam, ensign. 

Noah Phelps, of Simsbury, captain of a company, in a regiment to be raised 
for the continental service ; Consider Willeslon, of SufTield, 1st lieutenant ; 
Samuel Carver, of Bolton, 2d lieutenant ; Samuel Smith, of East Windsor, 
ensign. 

Noadiah Hooker, captain of a company in said regiment; John Skinner, 1st 
lieutenant; Pelcg Heath, 2d lieutennnt ; Lemuel Ilotchkiss, ensign. 

John Ripley, captain of a company in said regiment ; Andrew Fitch, 1st liou- 
tenant; Nathaniel Wales, 3d, 2d lieutenant; Ichubud Boswmth, ensign. 

Waterman Clift, captain of a company in said regiment ; Daniel Allen, 1st 
lieutenant ; Nathaniel Morgan, 2d lieutenant ; Jonathan Nichols, Jr., ensign. 

Abner Pryor, captain of a company in said regiment; James Steel, 1st lieu- 
tenant ; Jonathan Parker, 2d lieutenant ; Benjamin Henshaw, Jr., ensign, 

James Dana, captain of a company in said regiment; Elijah Sharp, 1st lieu, 
tenant; Squire Hill, 2d lieutenant ; Ephraim Kingsbury, ensign. 

James Arnold, captain of a company in said regiment; Samuel Barker, Jr., 
1st lieutenant ; Nathaniel Bunnell, 2d lieutenant ; Michael Brownson, ensign. 

Benoni Cutler, captain of a company in said regiment ; William Manning, 1st 
lieutenant; Joseph Durkee, 2d lieutenant; Obadiah Child, ensign. 



208 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1770. 

NoMo Benedict, caplaiu^rfika company in a regiinent to be raised for the 
dfifonce of tliis and the a.(]Jbiriiii[f colonics; Jubez Bolsford, 1st lieuicnani; 
Gamaliel Northrop. 2d lieutenant ; Tinioiliy Taylor, ensign. 

Maltlicw Mead, captain of a company in said regnDent; Sylvanus Mead, 1st 
lieutenant; Sanincl Hart, 5lh, 2ii lieutiinanl ; Jeremiah Beard EUes, ensign. 

Elijah Abcll, captain of a company in said regiment; John Blacklcach, 1st 
lieutenant; William Havvley, 2d lieutenant; Judson Whiting, ensign. 

Isaac Cook, captain of a company in said regiment; Stephen Hall, 1st lieu- 
tenant ; Nathaniel Edwards, 2d lieutenant; Jolin Humphrey, ensign. 

Josiah Starr, captain of a company in said regiment ; Thomas Tanner, 1st 
lieutenant; Josiah Stoddard, 2d lieutenant; Jonathan Bellamy, ensign. 

Jonathan Johnson, caplain of a company in said regiment; John Hanmer, 1st 
lieutenant; Thomas Stcphens-on, 2d lieutenant; Timothy Towner, ensign. 

Bczaleel Beboe, captain of a company in said regiment; Jesse Cook, 1st lieu- 
tenant ; James Watson, 2d lieutenant ; Wail Beach, ensign. 

Benjamin Mills, captain of a company in said regiment ; Daniel Brinsmade,' 
1st lieutenant; Ehjah Foster, 2d lieutenant; Thaddeus Hurd, ensign. 

Rev. Benjamin Trnmbuil, was appointed chaplain of the regiment to bo raised 
for continental service. 

Rev. Natlianiel Ellis, of Stonington, was apjiointcd chaplain of the regiment 
to be raiseil and stationed at and near New London. 

Forms of cnlisiing were enacted. And it was further enacted that the regi. 
ment directed this session, to be stationed at New London and places adjacent, 
should be augmented to nine companies, with a like number of officers as the 
Other companies. 

It was provided, that in case any of the soldiers in the continental regiment 
raised this session, should not be able, forthwith, to supply themselves with 
arms, and could not bo furnished with colony arms, that the selectmen of the 
respective towns should supply the deficiency, and should deliver them to the 
captain of the company, where said arms should bo wanting, and take his 
receipt therefor; when said selectmen were directed to exhibit the costs of said 
arms to the committee of pay tabic, for an order on the Treasurer for the pay. 
inent of costs and expenses. And if a sufficient number of arms could not be 
obtained in this way, the deficiency was ordered to be impressed by proper war- 
rants from householders and others not in the militia roll ; and that 5 shillings 
should be paid for the use of each gun so impressed, and in case of the loss of 
said guns, to be paid the value thereof, and appraised with the otiier arms in 
said regiment. It was made the duty of each captain to take an account of all 
arms in his company; such as the soldiers provided for themselves, in one class ; 
such as belonged to the colony ; such as should be impressed or purchased ; and 
transmit the accounts, with the prices annexed, to the committee of pay table. 
And the Governor was desired and authorized to appoint a person or persons 
to muster said companies. And it was provided, that in case any offieer who 
had been appointed in the three regiments aforesaid, should decline the trust, 
that the Governor should fill the vacancy so occasioned. It was provided, that 
the Governor and Council of Safety should give directions for selecting a num. 
ber of officers and men from the regiment raised to be stationed at New London 
and the sea coast, or appoint other officers, as should be found necessary to be' 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 209 

employed and exercised as matross or artillery men, to manage the cannon at 
the forts that were then or should be erected at New London; and to make such 
orders as should be necessary to form such an establishment, and carry the 
same into execution. 

The companies raised by the Governor and Council of Safety, stationed at 
New London, New Haven, Groton, and Slonington, were put upon the conti- 
nental plan of pay and provisions; and the Assembly having before resolved to 
augment them to a full regiment, ^nd the regiments now ordered to be raised 
upon the regulations established in April, 1775 ; it was resolved at this session, 
that the Governor and Committee of Safety, should bring said companies upon 
the colony plan and regulations, by directing new enlistments, or some other 
method to continue the officers before appointed to command them, or appoint 
others as they should judge proper; and to discharge said companies, or such of 
the men as would not engage upon the (then) colony plan, and fill their places 
as soon as might be. 

The exigences of the government of the colony was such at this time, that it 
became necessary to raise a farther sum of money to support the government, 
and defray its expenses; the Legislature therefore directed an emission of 
:CGO,OOU of bills of credit on the colony, of different denominations, from 1 shil. 
ling to 40 shillings ; i;iO,000 of which were to be 6 shillings and less, and of 
the same tenor with the preceding emissions of bills, without interest, and pay- 
able at or before the Isl day of January, 1781, and dated 7th day of June, 1776. 

J. Hamlin, William Pitkin, George VVyllys, E. Williams, B. Payne, Thomas 
Seymour, and Jesse Root, or any three of them, were appointed a committee to 
attend to the issuing said bills, sign and deliver them to the Treasurer, and take 
his receipt for the same. It was provided that the signature. of one of the com. 
mittee for bills ^of 6 shillings or less, should be a sufficient authentication; but 
that two of said committee should sign the bills if of a larger denomination than 
6 shillings ; and were sworn to a faithful execution of their trust. A tax of 8 
pence on the pound was then laid on all, the polls and rateable estate in the 
colony, on the list of October, 1778, and to be paid into the colony treasury by 
the last day of December, 1780. It was further provided, that the tax should 
be payable in any bills emitted by order of the Assembly, continental bills or 
lawful money. 

Forms of commissions forjudges of courts were enacted at this session, mak. 
ing the address " The Governor and Company of the English Colony of Con- 
necticut, in New England, in America." 

A letter having been received from the Hon. John Hancock, President of the 
Continental Congress, by the Legislature, to enable the Governor to answer the 
same, the Assembly directed that the selectmen in the respective towns in the 
colony, by or before the 1st day of September, 1776, should transmit to the 
Governor an exact account of all persons in their respective towns in the 
colony, as well as free negroes or slaves for life, as while persons; distinguish, 
ing the number who were under the age of 20 years, from those who should be 
older; also the sexes, whether married or single ; those in the militia, and all 
able bodied men who did not belong to the militia ; all in actual service ; which 
act was directed to be printed forthwith, and distributed to said towns; and it 
was required that said returns to the Governor, should be attested by the select, 
men of their respective towns to have been faithfully and truly made. 



210 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 

Tho Legislature ordered, Uiat colony taxes due against those in tlie service 
of tlio country siiould nol bSCTlorcod against them or their property, until liiey 
should return ; provided the collectors of such taxes should produce to the 
Treasurer a certificate, under the hands of the civil authority and selectmen of 
the town where said collector resided, of the sum, ahsence of the debtor, &.c. 

As it was of paramount importance that tho credit of the currency of tiic 
colony should at this time be sustained, by freely circulating it in the country ; 
the Legislature directed the Treasurer of tho colony to receive paper bills of tho 
continental currency, when they should be ofiured in payment of colony taxes, 
or any other debts duo to the Treasurer, until he should be othervviso instructed 
by the liegislalurc. 

The Legislature having been informed that various persons were engrossing 
the rum, sugar, molasses, salt, and other West Lidia productions and goods, 
with an intent of exporting them out of the colony ; ihey passed an act prohib- 
iting the exportation of said articles, eiiher by land or water, out of the colony 
on or before the 1st day of November, 1776, under the penallii^s and forfoiturcs 
of the act enabling the Governor to lay an embargo, or be otherwise punished 
by forfeiting the value of such goods so put on board, shipped, or exported ; and 
the Governor was directed to issue his proclamation forthwith, prohibiting such 
exportation accordingly, excepting such West Lidia goods as were required to 
be exported for the army, and then only upon application to the Governor by 
the Continental Congress, or General Washington. 

Hon. Oliver Ellsworth was ap|iointcd and empowered forthwith to repair 
to Gen. Schuyler, at Albany, or elsewhere, and lay bet'oro him the accounts and 
pay rolls of the several regiments and companies raised in the colony of Conncc. 
ticut, who had been employed in the continental service the preceding year, in 
Canada ; which accounts had been paid by Connecticut, — and request of Gen. 
Schuyler a warrant for re-payment of the sums advanced and paid the conti- 
nental troops, and receive the same and i)ay it to the Treasurer of this colony, 
take his receipt therefor, and lodge said receipt with the Secretary of the colony. 

lion. Matthew Griswold, Eliphalet Dyer, J. Huntington, V/illiam Williams, 
Richard Law, Titus Ilosmer, Benjamin Huntington, Col: J. Elderkin, William 
Hillhouse, and Nathaniel Wales, Jr., were appointed a Council of Safety to 
assist the Governor in the recess of the General Assembly, with authority to 
direct the militia and navy of the colony, marches and stations of the troops, 
either in whole or part, and give all necessary orders for furnishiirg said militia, 
troops and navy, in every respect to render the defence of the colony eifectual 
to fulfil and execute every trust already reposed by the Assembly in the Gover. 
nor ; with power and authority in the Governor to notify and convene the whole 
of said committee on all important occasions before them. But in cases wiiere 
necessity and safety required immediate action, or on small matters, the Gov- 
ernor, at his discretion, was authorized to convene a part of said Council, not 
less than five, to act with him. It was also resolved, that tho per deini allow, 
ance to each of said committee, including their expenses, should be 8 shillings. 

The Governor was desired to prepare authenticated copies of the petitions to 
the King, and letters to the Secretary of State, &,c., passed since tho commence- 
ment of the war between Great Britain and the American colonies ; and trans- 
mit the same to the Continental Congress, 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 211 

The Governor laid before the Assembly the doings of himself and Council of 
Safety assigned ihein, relative to fortifying the port and harbor of New London, 
under a resolve of the Assembly in December, 1775 ; from which it appeared 
tiiat the works were not completed. It was ordered liiat the Governor should 
be desired, vvilli the assistance of his Council, to complete said works, and to 
effect which, to employ as many men as they should judge proper and con. 
venicnt. 

Representation having been made to tiie Legislature, that some of the soldiers 
in the service of the colony, in 1775, had been returned as deserters, and had 
received their entire wages, viz.: in Col. Starr's company, 10; in Capt. Mose- 
ley's company, 30 ; in Capt. Knowlton's company, 7 ; in Capt. Clark's com- 
pany, 2; in Capt. Elliott's company, 2. A committee was appointed to en- 
quire whether tlie wages had been paid said deserters, fraudulently or acci- 
dentally, who were concerned in said transaction, &.c. The committee reported, 
that the persons concerned in the premises, were i!Ot present, and they had not 
been furnished with any documents, to investigate the transaction. The Gov- 
ernor was therefore desired to write to the delegates from this colony in Con- 
gress, informing them of the transaction, that no prejudice should arise against 
the colony therein ; and appointed the committee of pay table, with power to 
examine into the facts as lliey might think proper, and report to the Assembly 
thereon. 

Capt. Jeremiah Wadsworth, Col. Jonathan Fitch, Capt. William Ledyard, 
Capt. Samuel Squire, Col. Jedediah Eldcrkin, and Mr. Jedediah Strong were 
appointed a committee to purchase 5,000 pair of yarn stockings for tiio army in 
Canada, as soon as might be, and report to the Governor, with a fair account of 
the number they should each purchase, with the prices ; and tiie Governor was 
directed to cause the same to be transported to New York, and delivered to 
Alsoper Franciss Lewis, Esq., agreeable to the request of Congress; and also 
transmit the costs thereof to Roger Sherman, Etq., that it should be speedily 
repaid. 

A premium of two shillings and six pence, lawful money, (in addition to the 
former premium of one and six pence,) was offered for each double bridled, 
good, well-made gun-lock, manufactured within the colony, after the lOtli of 
June, and before the 20th day of October, 1776. 

It was resolved, that the Governor and Committee of Safety should be author- 
ized to adjust all account's of expenses incurred, or that should incur, for ser- 
vices performed, or should be rendered for the use of the colony, by order of 
their Board, in pursuance of any act or resolution of the General Assembly, and 
certify the sum due on sucli accounts, to the committee of pay table, who should 
draw an order on the Treasurer for the payment thereof 

The Governor was empowered, during the session of the Assembly, to Ifill the 
blank commissions for private ships of war, and letters of marque and reprisal 
sent, or that should be sent by the President of Congress to the Assembly, and 
the same deliver to the person intending to fit out such private ships of war, who 
should apply for the same, and see that a proper bond be executed, and sent with 
the commissions, and perfected and returned according to the resolutions of the 
Continental Congress. 

The committee of pay table was directed to receive and adjust the accounts 
for supporting the continental prisoners in the colony, and prepare authentic 



212 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 

copies thereof, properly atlci^^, and transmit them to the Governor ; — who was 
desired to forward the samc^iat they might be laid before the Continental Con- 
gress, for payment. 

The Governor was requested to fill the blank commissions for' private ships of 
war, and letters of marque and reprisal, sent by Congress to the Assembly, to 
deliver them to the person fitting said ships, and take proper bonds. 

As there was due the officers and soldiers an arrearage of supplies, or rations, 
who were in the northern army, in 1775 ; it was resolved, that the commissaries 
appointed in 1775, should, as soon as might be, collect an exact account of what 
part of the daily rations was delivered to them by the colonels of the respective 
regiments, and of the arrears due, certified bj' the colonels and quarter masters 
of said regiments, or by the commissary of supplies, or other sufficient evidence J 
and exhibit said amount to the Commissary General of the northern department, 
and obtain the payment thereof, after they should have deducted from the amount 
of each, the continental allowance that had been made by Gen. Schuyler, for 
billeting, and additional days over and above the colony allowance, which was 
two shillings and six pence per week in billeting, and about eight shillings per 
man for the whole term of their enlistment in the addition of days. 

It was also resolved, that the home commissaries .should speedily settle their 
accounts with the general and deputy commissaries whom they had supplied 
with provisions, warlike stores, &c., take duplicate copies of their accounts, 
signed by them when settled, and distinguishing between the supplies as were 
delivered before the 3d of August, 1775, and such as were subsequent ; one set of 
which copies were for vouchers for the home commissaries, to settle with the 
committee of pay table, the other to use as evidence to support our demand on 
the Continental Congress for reimbursement. 

As it became important that the troops, who had been at the camp at Cam- 
bridge and Roxbury, near Boston, as well as those that marched to New York, in 
the continental service, from this colony, and who had returned to the colony, 
should be immediately paid. It was ordered by the Assembly, that Col. James 
Wadsworth, Jr., Col. Matthew Talcott, and Col. Ichabod Lewis be empowered 
to receive all the pay rolls of the several companies who had marched as afore- 
said, and apply to the general to settle the same, and obtcin his order for the • 
payment, for the benefit of the officers and soldiers to whom due. And the com- 
mittee of pay table were to adjust and give orders fgr all losses of arms and 
accoutrements, and expenses of sickness for such officers and soldiers, according 
to the rules established, and for such as had been raised by special orders of said 
Assembly, and to state an account to be transmitted to Congress, for payment. 

And the committee of pay table were empowered to adjust and settle the 
accouiits with the colony commissaries, under oath, and draw on the colony 
Treasurer for the sums due; and receive such sums as should be found due the 
colony, and adjust the accounts of the commissary general, and allow for his 
trouble for receiving and delivering out stores, provisions, itc, as they should 
think just and reasonable. 

Nathaniel Waldo, Jr., Esq., of Windham, was empowered to settle the account 
between the colony and Elisha Payne, Esq., the (then) late King's attorney, and 
secure and recover the balance found due the colony. 

It was ordered, that all accounts for necessary provisions for sick soldiers of 
the colony in the army, in the (then) late campaign, that could not have been 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 213 

otherwise supplied without danger to the sick, if said provisions had been 
directed by any surgeon of the army, might be laid before ti;e committee of pay 
table, and they draw on the Treasurer for wliat they sliould find due. And if 
any officer or soldier in or out of battle, by inevitable providence, should lose 
or destroy his arms, accoutrements, or clothing ; they were authorized to exam, 
ine such accounts, and upon proper evidence, allow them, and draw an order 
for the same. 

Ail [)ost masters in the colony were ordered to prepare their accounts of debts 
and credits employed by the Assembly, and lay them liefore the conimillee of 
pay table lor allowance. And all special posts who had been in the continental 
service, were advised to prepare tlieir accounts, and procure authentic certifi. 
cates of their services, and by whom employed, that they might be laid before 
the Continental Congress for allowance. 

The colonels of the militia regiments that marched to New York on the first 
and last requisitions of Gen. Wasliington, were directed to forward the payrolls 
of the companies in their respective regiments to the Governor and Council of 
Safety for adjustment, and authentic copies thereof be transmitted by the Gov- 
ernor to Gen. Washington, for payment. 

Also, the commissaries of the militia regiments that marched to New York, 
on the requisition of Gen. Washington, were directed to prepare their accounts 
of supplies for those regiments, and lay them before the Governor and Council 
of Safety for adjastnicnf, and be transmitted to Gen. Washington for his order 
for their payment. 

The committee appointed in May, 1775, to procure 3,000 stands of arms, not 
having been able to supply the complement required, and the army being in 
great want of them, the privileges and premiums offered in said act, were 
revived and continued in force until the session of the Assembly, in October, 
1776; and the committee were directed to use their utmost vigilance to provide 
the number of arms directed in said act. 

Liberty was given by the Legislature, to the inhabitants of Saybrook, to build 
a battery at the place where the old fort stood in said town, so that it should be 
well constructed, to contain six carriage guns for the defence of the town and 
harbor ; and to encourage them in so doing, 20 men (then stationed at New 
London, &c., were sent to aid the inhabitants to build said fort, and to guard 
the same, so long as the Governor and Council of Safety should think proper. 
And the said fort was directed to be furnished with three good carriage guns, in 
addition to those before there, and all mounted on proper carriages, and fur- 
nished with powder and ball, and all other necessary implements for the fort 
and guns, as soon as might be, at the expense of the colony; which were placed 
under the direction of the Governor and Council of Safety during the pleasure 
of the General Assembly. 

The Legislature having been informed that several of the non-commissioned 
officers and. soldiers that belonged to some of tiie regiments in Fairfield county, 
had refused to march to New York for the defence of this and that colony, in 
pursuance of orders by the Captain General of this colony, and the laws of the 
colony ; it was ordered that the attorney for the Governor and company of the 
colony in Fairfield county, should forthwith examine into the grounds of their 
refusal ; and if be should find sufficient grounds of guilt, to prosecute and bring 
28 



214 REVOrJJTIONARV WAR, 177G. 

the supposed offenders to ^^r the just punishment provided by law, and pre- 
vent the mischiefs threatened tiioreby. 

All the towns in tiie colony that had supplied any powder for the public ser. 
vice, were directed to present their accounts to the committee of pay table, well 
authenticated, including their trouble and expense, for adjustment. And said 
committee were directed to give an order in favor of the selectmen of each town, 
upon any of the powder mills in the colony, to be refunded in powder, as said 
committee should find just, and order. 

The article of sulphur being extremely scarce, and much needed in the colony 
for the manufacture of gun powder for the army, Thomas Bidwell, of PennsyU 
vania, proposed to the Assembly, that if they would furnish him with twenty 
suitable pots with their receivers, and grant to him the privilege of using the 
sulphur ore drawn from the lead mine in Middletown, free of charge to him, 
and the colony would take of him all the well wrought, refined, and genuine 
sulphur which he should manufacture out of ore found within the colony, at the 
price of ;C2 : 10 for each one hundred pounds within the space of two years next 
after the 1st of June, 1776 ; that he would immediately enter upon and continue 
the manufacture, for the price and term of time specified, &c. ; and that when 
he should close his business in the colony under said contract, that he would 
fully disclose to some proper person, in the interest of the colony, and an inhab. 
itant of the same, for the benefit of the colony, all his skill and art of manufac- 
turing sulphur, and leave the pots and receivers in the condition they should 
then bo found to the use of the colony : which proposals were accepted by the 
Assembly, conditioned that the colony should not at that time receive more 
than fifty tons of sulphur to bo made by said Bidwell. Twenty pots and their 
receivers, were therefore ordered to be procured at the expense of the colony, 
and delivered to said Bidwell, when he should erect his works ; and liberty 
given him to use the ore raised at Middletown, free of charge to him ; and 
CoJ. Joshua Porter was appointed with said Bidwell, to procure the twenty 
pots and receivers to the best advantage for the colony. And the Governor and 
Council of Safety were empowered to see and order what further should be 
found necessary to execute said contract. 

The Governor and Council of Safety were desired to order an account of the 
whole expense of raising and marching Col. Burrall's battalion to Albany ; 
together with the expenditure of the 12,500 dollars received for that purpose, 
to be properly stated, and laid before the Continental Congress, for settlement. 

Information having been given to the Legislature, that Capt. D. Hill, Lieut. 
P. Lyon, and Ensign S. Hawley, ail of t!io 11th company, 4lh regiment, under 
the command of Gold S. Silliinan, colonel of said regiment, had, instead of 
forwarding, as was their duty, endeavored to obstruct and embarrass, and did in 
fact neglect and refuse to obey certain orders given to them by said colonel, in 
pursuance of orders from the Captain General, in the month of March, 177G, for 
the purpose of enlisting or detaching a number in said company, to march for 
New York ; wiiich orders said ofliicers did severally contemptuously disobey, and 
greatly obstructed the execution thereof. Whereupon the Assembly ordered a 
precept to be issued by the Secretary of the colony, immediately to arrest the 
bodies of said offenders respectively, and them have before said Assembly to 
answer to the information, and be dealt with thereon as to justice should apper* 

I 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 215 

tain ; and tliat Col. Silliman, and other proper evidences, should bo cited to 
appear. 

The Continental Congress ordered and delivered to the delegates of this 
colony, the sum of $10,500, to defray the expense of raising a regiment of 
troops ordered by Congress to be raised in the colony of Connecticut ; and 
Oliver Wolcott, Esq., one of said delegates took for his use, on account of the 
colony, $150, and Roger Sherman, Esq., in the same way, $100, and $16 
given to bring the remainder to the Treasurer of the colony, being $10,244. 
The Treasurer was ordered to replace said $240 out of the money of the colony. 

Nathaniel Shaw, Jr., Jonathan Fitch, Jeremiah VVadsworth, Thaddeus Burr, 
N. Wales, Jr., and Jedediah Strong, Esq'rs., were appointed a committee to pro- 
euro jE1,800 lawful money in specie, in exchange for bills, and pay the same to 
the Governor for the use of the northern army, on a request of Congress ; and 
the committee of pay table were directed to draw on the Treasurer of the 
colony for said sum in bills; and the Governor was desired, on the receipt of 
tho sum, or any part tliereof, to Ibrward the same to the proper treasurer, pay 
master, or officer, to be used for the purpose aforesaid; and lay the account 
before Congress, that the same sliould be replaced in the treasury as soon as 
might be. 

The last article was repealed, by the Assembly, immediately after its passage 
— but on the request of Congress to borrow said £1,800 hard money, or specie, 
for the use of tlie northern army, on the engagement to replace said sum in 
continental bills, &c. ; said Assembly resolved, that the Treasurer of the colony 
should procure, in addition to what he had in colony stock on hand, and could 
be conveniently spared to make the sum of £1,800 lawful money in specie, and 
to forward tiie same to the pay master, or receiver of the continental army for 
the northern army, and take his receipt therefor, and deliver it to tho Governor 
to be laid before Congress, to be replaced in the treasury of tiie colony. 

Col. Selah Hart was appointed a committee, in addition to those before 
appointed in May, 1775, to provide such stores of lead as they sliould judge, for 
tho use of the colony; and to contract for and take lead ore that should be raised 
out of the mine of Matthew Hart, in Farmington, and to dig and raise ore m 
said mine, if profitable, and necessary for the colony. 

The committee of the pay table of the colony was directed to draw on tiie 
Treasurer in favor of Col. Joshua Porter, of Salisbury, overseer of the cannon 
foundry at the furnace, in said town, for £800 in continental or colony bills, 
and account for the improvement thereof in the service aforesaid. 

Thaddeus Burr, Esq., was directed to call upon the post masters from Hart- 
ford to Greenwich, on the road to New York, and receive their accounts of tho 
sums of money by them received for postage of letters between the 15th of 
June and the 15th day of November, 1775, and receive the balance due, and 
render his account to the Treasurer of the colony. 

The Legislature having been informed that Capt. Hezekiah Brown, of tho 
12th military company, in the 10th regiment, in tlie colony, under the com- 
mand of Col. James VVadsworth, had refused to obey certain orders given hira 
by Jonathan Baldwin, lieutenant colonel of said regiment, to detach men for the 
service. The Assembly ordered a precept to be issued by the Secretary of the 
colony, immediately to arrest him, and him have before the Assembly, to answer 
to the information ; and to summon said Baldwin, and other proper evidence to 



216 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 

appear. And on a full hearing, the Assembly ordered that Capt, Brown should 
be cashiered, and renderedl^iii'ablo of holding or sustaining any further military 
office in the colony. 

Col. Thomas Fitch, Ebenezcr Hinman, Rufus Lathrop, Samuel Bishop, 
Samuel Selden, Joseph Piatt Cook, Experience Storrs, and P. B. Bradley, 
Esq'rs., were appointed a committee to audit all colony accounts, and report to 
the Assembly. 

Henry Champion and Fisher Gay, were appointed colonels. 

Dyer Throop, Obadiah Hosford, and Selah Hart, were appointed lieutenant 
colonels. • 

Jabez Chapman, Jeremiali Mason, and Seth Smiih, were appointed majors of 
militia. 

Seth Adams, of Wilbraham, Nathaniel Jenison, of Rutland, of Massachu- 
setts Bay, Aaron Whitney, of Norlhfield, in Massacliusetts Bay, Jonathan 
Judd, of Southampton, in said province, John Kirtland, of JSorwich, in the 
county of Hampshire, were allowed by the Assembly to export certain articles 
purciiased before the jtassiiig and continuance of the embargo. 

Amariah Plumb, a soldier in Col. Hinman 's regiment, enlisted in 1775, who was 
at the siege of St. John's, in Canada, and was wounded by breaking his thigh 
bone by a musket ball, and fell into the hands of the enemy ; the Assembly or- 
dered to be paid to him, for his misfortune, £25 lawful money. 

Samuel Lord and William Shipman, of Saybrook, had manufactured a quan- 
tity of salt petre for the use of the colony, which had been destroyed by fire ; for 
which loss the Assembly allowed them £60. License was granted to erect a 
powder mill in Stratford. 

Peter Goodrich, of Middletown, on the 7th of September, 1775, had provided 
fifty-four hundred and a quarter of a hundred of bread, by special order, for the 
use of the colony, to supply the brig Minerva, at eighteen shillings per hundred, 
and thirty tierces to stow it in, at two shillings and six pence each, being £53 : 12, 
which was destroyed by the burning of his house which contained it. Pie was 
allowed by said Assembly £53 : 12. 

Isaac Bostwick, of New Milford, who was a captain in Col. W^ebb's regiment, 
received twenty-three stands of arms, which were used in the public service, 
and returned to the selectmen of Kent, Salisbury, and Canaan, and afterwards, 
without his knowledge, re-delivered to soldiers that marched against Quebec, 
without giving a receipt for them ; the Legislature ordered full wages paid said 
Bostwick, by his giving his bond for the return or payment of said arms, with 
proper conditions. License was given by the Legislature, to David Griffin, John 
Williams, and John Knickerbocker, of Salisbury, to erect a powder mill in that 
tov^'n. 

Adonijah Strong, Esq., of Salisbury, on the 31st day of January, 1776, was, 
by the Governor and Council of Safety, appointed to make provision for such 
necessaries as were directed for the march of the regiment then raised, under the 
command of Col. Burrall, as far as Albany ; which trust said Strong performed, 
and expended large sums of money over and above what he had received ; he 
applied to Gen. Schuyler for the payment of such sums as he had advanced of 
his own funds, which was refused by Gen. Schuyler. The Legislature examin- 
ed said Strong's vouchers, and found that he, as commissary, had expended 
£491 : 15 : 11, in providing for and marching Col. Burrall's regiment, and ono 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 217 

company of matross, to Albany ; and that he had received j£280 : 19 ; and there 
was then due said Strong, £210 : 16 : 11, which was ordered to be paid out of 
the colony treasury. 

Edward Tiley, of New Haven, who was a lieutenant under Capt. James Ar- 
nold, in a regiment raised in this colony in 1775, under Maj. Gen. Wooster, 
while in the service of the colonies, expended money for the furtherance of said'' 
service ; and that on the 19th day of September, 1775, he was taken prisoner 
by Capt. Vandeput, while on business ordered by Gen. Wooster, and so detain- 
ed until the 14th day of April, 1776, and he advanced money for his own sub- 
sistence while a prisoner, and his wages unpaid ; for which £32: 13 : 6, was 
ordered by the Assembly, to be paid said Tiley. ♦ 

George Cooley was allowed by the Assembly £4, lawful money, for taking 
care of (his son) a sick soldier. 

James Law, of Lebanon, who was a soldier in the colony in the year 1775, 
and in the army near Boston, was drawn off and engaged in the battle on Bunker 
Hill, the I7th of June, where he lost his right arm, broken by a shot from the 
ministerial troops ; he was 22 years of age, and a joiner by trade. Upon his 
memorial for aid, the Assembly ordered the Treasurer to pay to said Law £50, 
in current bills of credit, to assist him in his disabled and distressed situation, 

Joseph Mace, of Stafford, was confined in Newgate, for altering the bills of 
the Continental Congress. 

John Sebastian Stephany asked of the Assembly a reasonable rent, for the 
lead mine in Middletown, while the colony had or should work it ; which was 
directed to be paid, under the care of the committee appointed by the Assembly, 
taking into consideration the expense of labor and value of the lead manufac- 
tured. 

Samuel Dewey, of Hebron, showed to the Assembly, that after the 15th day 
of May, 1775, to May, 1776, he had made forty-six gun barrels, and twenty- 
one bayonets, and that they were all in the public service, and the premium of 
three shillings and six pence on each gun so made, amounting to £8 : 1, lawful 
money, was ordered and paid him. 

Amos Parmaly, of Litchfield, was allowed by the Assembly <^14 : 12 : 1, law- 
ful money, for nursing his sick son John, who was a soldier in Maj. Welch's 
company, in Gen. Wooster's regiment, in the northern department, in 1775. 

Lydia Crane, of Wethersfield, stated to the Assembly, that she had three 
sons, all enlisted in the service of their country ; that the eldest died in the camp ; 
the second in the continental service ; and that the third, after having risked his 
life in the Bunker Hill engagement, — on the 1st of December, 1775, supposed 
the time for which he had enlisted had expired, started for home, and had trav- 
elled about twenty miles, when he was ordered by his captain to return ; that 
when he had returned four miles, he was taken ,with a delirium which caused 
him to stroll, and soon died. The said Lydia petitioned said Assembly to pay 
his wages to her, being £5 : 15 : 2, which was ordered to be paid accordingly. 

J. Elderkin and Nathaniel Wales, Jr. were allowed £30, lawful money, pre- 
mium, for one thousand pounds of powder manufactured by them, at their pow- 
der mill in Windham. 

John Jenkins, of Westmoreland, in the county of Litchfield, represented to 
the Assembly, that the inhabitants of said town were desirous to erect a powder 
mill in that place, as they were more than one hundred miles distant from any 



218 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1770. 

erected in the colony of Conii|cticut. Liberty was granted to (the llien) eelect- 
men of said town, to erect e^rowder mill in said Westmoreland. 

Ozias Bingham, of Norfolk, stated to the Assembly, that he served faithfully 
as a soldier at the northern campaign, in 1775 ; and that on the 9th day of Janu- 
ary, of the same year, he was arrested on an execution, and committed to gaol 
in Litchfield, by Abraham Kellogg, but wishing to serve his country, he had 
again enlisted into the continental army, in Capt. Austin's company. The Le- 
gislature ordered him to be released by his executing his note on interest for the 
debt and all costs, payable the 1st of February, 1777, and joining his company 
forthwith when released. 

Artemas Johnson, of Branford, a soldier in Capt. Douglass' company, in Gen. 
Wooster's regiment, in the northern campaign, in 1775, at an Isle in Canada, 
received a wound in his arm, which caused amputation necessary; and asked 
relief in the premises, of the Assembly. The Assembly ordered the Treasurer to 
pay said Johnson the sum of ^60, lawful money, to aid him in his misfortune. 

John Watson, of Canaan, a captain of the 9th company, 4th regiment, raised 
in said colony in the year 1775, stated to the Assembly, that while he was in 
the northern army, at the siege of St. John's, he was wounded by a musket ball? 
which entered his body about three inches the left side of his back bone, and 
passed through his right side, which so cut the cords and broke the bone of his 
back, that he was disenabled for all labor ; therefore asked said Assembly for 
relief in the premises. And said Assembly ordered the Treasurer to pay said 
Watson the sum of j£60, lawful money. 

Lawrence Sullivan, of Wethersfield, shewed the Assembly, that on the 17th 
of June, 1775, he was made a prisoner of war, and so detained until the follow- 
ing 24th of February ; that he had not received his wages after the 10th day of 
December, 1775 ; and prayed for his wages and pay for his time while he was 
held a prisoner. The Assembly ordered his wages paid him, but no extra pay 
for the time he was held a prisoner of war. 

Mary Savage, of Middletown, stated that her husband, Abijah Savage, was 
taken a prisoner of war, at Quebec, on the 31st day of December, 1775, and 
was a lieutenant in the colony service ; and asked the Assembly for the wages 
due her husband, which were ordered to be paid to her. 

Adam Babcock, Isaac Doolittle, and Jeremiah Atwater were licensed to erect 
a powder mill at Nev/ Haven. 

Thomas Gould, Amos Rose, Thomas Gillett, Thomas Jerome, and Joseph 
Stocking, enlisted as soldiers in the 6th company, 2d regiment, under the com- 
mand of Capt. N. Hooker, in the public service, in May, 1775, and served in 
the army at Roxbury until the 1st day of December, in said year ; at which time 
^hey supposed the time for which they had enlisted had expired, and without 
liberty from their officers, returned home. They asked of the Assembly full 
payment of their wages, which was ordered them. 

Matthew Griswold, &c., a committee in the case of Capt. Mott, reported, not 
sufficient ground for prosecution. 

At the close of this session, the following proclamation was made and recor- 
ded, viz : — 

Whereas this Assembly, in their present session, have made many preparations 
for defence against the increasing hostilities and efforts of our unnatural enemies ; 
yet considering the alarming situation of the united colonics being threatened 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 219 

with the whole force of Great Britain united, with all such foreign mercenaries 
as they are able to engage to assist the executors of their causeless vengeance on 
these devoted colonies, and to burn and destroy our sea port towns, and to spread 
rapine, murders, and destruction through the whole ; in this situation our utmost 
efforts cannot be too much, and it is the duty of every individual to contribute 
all in his power to serve and defend our most important cause : — Therefore, the 
Assembly do most earnestly recommend it, to all persons, of every rank and 
denomination, to furnish themselves with all possible expedition, with good suffi- 
cient fire arms, and other warlike accoutrements, and with bullets sufficient and 
fit for their guns ; and especially that all able bodied men, who are not of the 
standing militia, and such as have been dismissed from common military exer- 
cise, form themselves into companies, choose their officers according to the num- 
ber of such who can convene together, and equip themselves so as to be in 
readiness for mutual defence against our common enemy. That all the field 
officers put themselves in readiness to conduct and lead forth their respective 
corps, on the most sudden call, and in the mean time use their utmost endeavors 
and care, with the assistance of the commissioned officers in their respective 
regiments to encourage military skill, and every warlike preparation, and to see 
that all defective arms be immediately repaired. That the committee appointed 
to procure fire arms to be made in this colony, use their utmost diligence to 
promote the same, and purchase in, all good arms for sale, except such as any 
person hath for his own proper use. The events of this war may prove most 
decisive to these colonies, and that all human care, efforts, and exertions are 
but fruitless attempts for our security and defence, and will prove vain and abor- 
tive, unless attended with the blessing of Heaven, which we have no reason to 
expect, but on a sincere repentance and reformation : — Wherefore in this day of 
darkness and threatening calamity, it is most earnestly recommended to, and 
pressed upon all persons of every rank and denomination in this colony, to pro- 
mote and cultivate charity and benevolence one towards another ; to abstain from 
every species of extortion and oppression ; sincerely to repent and break off from 
every sin, folly, and vice ; to live together in peace, love, and harmony among 
themselves ; to look up with earnest importunity to Heaven for help, success, 
salvation, and deliverance ; and with careful attention to the use of means, hope, 
and trust in the Lord of Hosts, who presides over universal nature ; judges and 
governs all, and we not fear or be dismayed at all the attempts or numerous 
hosts with which we are threatened. It is ordered that the foregoing be printed, 
and be read, and published in all the religious societies in this colony. 
The Assembly adjourned on the 8th day of June, 1776. 



220 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1770. 



GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 

SPECIAL SESSION. 

At a General Assembly of the Governor and Company of the 
English Colony of Connecticut, holden at Hartford, by special 
order of the Governor on the 14th day of June, 1776. 

Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Governor. 

Richard Law and William Williams, Esq'rs., were added to the Board of 
Assistants. Eight Assistants present. 

An act repealing an act of the colony "entitled an act to prevent injustice 
by the bills of credit of the neighboring colonies" (then) passing in Connecticut, 
was passed. 

An act was passed, in addition to a former act, for restraining and punish- 
ing all persons inimical to the liberties of the colony, and of the united colonies; 
in which it was provided, that whenever any person should be possessed of any 
goods or effects of any person who had or should join the ministerial army or 
navy, acting against America, or screen themselves under them, or had aided or 
assisted in carrying into execution the ministerial measures, that it should be 
the duty of the selectmen of every such town where such person might dwell, 
who should be possessed of such goods, to exhibit a representation of them, to 
any Assistant in the county ; who was directed to issue a warrant, requiring the 
olSicer to seize such goods, and make return of the warrant to the next county 
court ; which court was authorized to enquire into the facts in the case; and if 
said facts should be found true, to render judgment that such goods should be 
sold for the use of the colony, to be paid to the Treasurer, and his receipt 
lodged with the Secretary of the colony. 

It was further enacted, that if any person should be indebted to any person 
inimical as aforesaid, or accountable as bailiff and receiver; the selectmen of 
the town where said debtor or factor or trustee dwelt, were authorized to factor- 
ize said debtors, &c., for the benefit of the colony ; stating the f^icts as they 
should exist, and the county court render judgment for such sum as should bo 
due said inimical person, and the execution collected and paid to the Treasurer 
of the colony. And that all recoveries against such debtors should be effectual, 
and that all contracts made by such debtors, with such inimical persons should 
have tlreir true construction. It was ordered that the officer should leave 
twelve days before the sitting of the court to which it should be returnable, a 
copy of said warrant, with such debtor, factor, justice, &c., which service effec- 
tually secured such debt, goods, &c. ; conditioried that said debtor was author- 
ized to pay said debt into the hands of the selectmen without suit, and give the 
debtor a discharge on said debt ; which by said act was made good and effectual 
in law to secure such debtor, &c. ; for which service the selectmen were to 
receive a reasonable compensation, taxed by the county court, and pay over 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 221 

such moneys to the colony Treasurer ; and that an order should be drawn by 
the county clerk, on the Treasurer, for the payment of the same. 

An embargo was laid by the Assembly, not to export out of the colony, by 
water, the following articles, viz. : wheat, rye, Indian corn, pork, beef, live 
cattle, peas, beans, butter, cheese, bread, flour, and every kind of meal ; and 
that no pork should be exported by land or water, except necessary stores for 
vessels bound to sea. And the Governor was requested to issue his proclama. 
tion, laying such embargo, and prohibiting such exportations; which embargo 
was ordered to be continued in force until the rising of the Assembly, in Octo. 
her, 1776. Provided that Iho Governor should be authorized to grant permits 
for the exportation of live cattle and provisions, as he should judge necessary 
for the public service ; provided further, tiiat the Governor, with the advice of 
the Council, should be empowered to discontinue the embargo, in whole or part, 
at any time. 

An act to raise two battalions to join tiie continental army, in Canada, was 
passed. 

The Assembly received a requisition from the Continental Congress, for 
troops to reinforce the continental army in different departments. It was 
therefore enacted, that two battalions of the inhabitants of the colony should 
be immediately raised, by voluntary enlistment, to join the continental army in 
the northern department ; each battalion to consist of 1 colonel, 1 lieutenant 
colonel, 1 major, and eiglit companies, with 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, and 1 
ensign, 4 sargeants, 4 corporals, 1 drummer, 1 fifer, and 79 privates to each 
company; and a staff to consist of 1 chaplain to said two battalions, and 1 
adjutant, 1 quarter master, 1 surgeon, and 1 surgeon's mate, to each battalion ; 
to be holden in said service until the 1st day of December, 1776. A premium 
of £6 lawful money was enacted to be paid to each able bodied man to enlist 
into said service, and sufficiently clothe himself therefor ; and if he should 
supply himself with a good blanket, knapsack, gun, bayonet, and cartouch box 
to the acceptance of his captain, that he should receive a further premium of 
£1 : 2 lawful money therefor — and at the same rate for such of said articles as 
he should provide himself with, as was allowed by the Assembly to the troops 
raised for the defence of the colony in April, 1775. While in service, to bo 
under the same general command, laws, regulations, and entitled to the same 
pay, wages, privileges, and allowances as continental troops ; and should receive 
one months pay in advance before he should march out of the colony. 

The Legislature having received a further requisition from Congress, for 
troops to reinforce the continental army, passed an act for raising seven battal- 
ions, to join the continental army in New York. In which it was provided, 
that seven battalions, incrusive of the regiment or battalion voted to be raised 
for the general service in May, 1776, should be raised by voluntary enlistment, 
to march direct to New York, and there join the continental army. That each 
battalion should consist of 1 colonel, 1 lieutenant colonel, 1 major, and eight 
companies, with 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 1 ensign, 4 sargeants, 4 corporals, 1 
drummer, 1 fifer, and 79 privates to ea.ch company. A staff of I chaplain, 1 
adjutant, 1 quarter master, 1 surgeon, and 1 surgeon's mate, to each battalion, 
and to be holden in service until the 25th day of December, 1776, unless they 
should be sooner discharged. And that each able bodied enlisted soldier, for the 
term aforesaid, who should sufficiently clothe himself therefor, should receive a 
29 



222 REVOLUTIOiNARY WAK, 177(5. 

premium of jCS lawful monev ; and that every such man so enlisted, who should 
provide himself a good WWiet, knapsack, gun, bayonet, and cartouch box, to 
the captain's acceptance, should receive a further premium of £1 : 2 money 
therefor, (and at the same rate as in the act aforesaid). And that those who 
had enlisted as minute men, and would lay claim to the 40 shillings given them 
as an encouragenicnt to furnish themselves, and stand ready as minute men, and 
should enlist into the service established by this act, should be entitled to a 
further sum of ^£2 : 2 if they furnished and equipped themselves, and should be 
on an equal footing with the other troops raised by this act, for the same service ; 
that each sargeant should receive 48 shillings ; each corporal, 44; each drum- 
mer and fifer, 44 shillings ; and each private, 40 shillings per calendar month, 
for wages during said service. And if any guns, &,c., by accident should be 
lost, the provider of said gun, &c., to be paid its just value. That an account 
should be taken of all arms, &;e., appraised, &c. ; that each man, upon enlist, 
ment, should receive 6 pence a day for billeting money, until he should march, 
and then should receive one penny per mile, in lieu of rations, for travelling 
expenses, and one days pay for every 20 miles between home and the general 
rendezvous, going and returning. It was further provided, that 40 shillings, as 
a further premium sliould bo given to each who should so enlist into the con- 
tinental regiment, voted to be raised in May, 1776, and destined to Boston, over 
and above all other encouragements offered. And all said troops, while in ser. 
vice, were to bo subject to the same general command, law, and regulations, 
and entitled to the same pay, wages, privileges, and allowances as tho continen. 
tal troops were. And it was further enacted, that the act entitled "an act for 
raising and equipping a body of minute men, to be held in readiness for the 
better defence of the colony, &c., made and passed in May, 1776," so far as it 
respected the raising of such minute men pursuant to said act, was repealed. 

As it became now necessary to provide the troops about to be raised by the 
two preceding acts, with fire arms, accoutrements, &c., for immediate actual 
service ; the legislature appomted Capt. Jeremiah VVadsworth, and Col. Jona- 
than Fitch, and empowered them forthwith to furnish a sufBcient number of 
tin kettles (if they could be procured in the colony,) for the use of the two bat. 
talions to be raised and destined to the northern department, and to be delivered 
to the care of the commissary, and forwarded with the baggage of said battal. 
ions to the north. And if tin could not bo procured, they were directed to 
purchase suitable iron hollow ware, for the use of the battalions then raising 
and destined to New York, and forward the same to the commissary general at 
New York, by the cheapest and most convenient conveyance, and take a receipt 
of the carrier. 

The committee appointed to procure fire arms in the several counties, were 
directed to make a division of the whole of said arms procured amongst the 
several towns in the colony, according to their lists, and certify the number of 
guns and bayonets alloted to each, and where they were to be found, and give 
orders to receive them ; and the selectmen as aforesaid were ordered to deliver 
such arms to the chief officers of the troops then about to be raised in such 
towns, and take their receipts therefor, and lodge with the treasurers of the 
towns. And said arms, when returned, also lodged with said treasurers, and 
by them kept in constant repair, at the ro^t of the towns, and fully to equip 
said troops. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 223 

It was also provided, that the fire arms taken from persons belonging to the 
colony, who should ba enemies to the country, and in the hands of the com- 
mittee of inspection or others, should be marked with the initials of the owner's 
name, and appraised by two indifferent men, under oath, and an account taken 
by the committee, and lodged whh the treasurers of said towns where said own- 
ers should reside, and be repaired at the expense of the colony ; and when re- 
paired, delivered to the chief officers of the companies then raising in said towns 
where said arms were owned, and take receipts therefor, which receipts, marks, 
prices of arms, names of owners, &c. were directed to be recorded in the towns 
where said owners lived, when said arms should be taken, and an account of the 
repairs of said arms to be laid before the committee of pay table for adjustment, 
and orders on the Treasurer for payment. And it was ordered, that when said 
guns were returned, they should be lodged with the clerk of the committee of 
inspection, and there kept until further orders from said committee, or the As- 
sembly. And in case of loss of such arms of inimical persons, the facts were to 
be laid before said Assembly, for their orders thereon. 

It was further ordered, that the selectmen of the several towns, should pur- 
chase or hire arms to furnish such soldiers of any of the battalions aforesaid, as 
could not furnish themselves, or be furnished in any of the ways before provided ; 
and allow the owner of each gun hired, six shillings, and the owner of each bay- 
onet, belt, and cartouch box so hired, four shillings ; and if by accident lost, the 
owner thereof to be paid for the same, according to the apprisal ; a particular 
account of which arms, &c. were to be taken, and the account laid before the 
committee of pay table, who were directed to give orders on the Treasurer 
of the colony for payment, and costs thereof, and expense of purchasing and 
hiring said arms, and expense of repairs. And it was provided, that if a suffi- 
cient number of arms could not be obtained, in the manners before provided, 
snch as should be wanted to make up the deficiency, should be impressed from 
householders, and others not in the militia rolls, by warrants for that purpose 
from the civil authority ; and such guns so impressed to be receipted, and apprais- 
ed, and in case of loss, to be paid for as aforesaid. It was also provided, that 
the captain of each company should take a particular account of all arms used in 
his company, distinguishing colony arms from such as the soldiers should provide, 
such as were hired, such as were purchased, such as were impressed, and such 
as belonged to inimical persons ; and with the prices and repairs, transmit said 
account to the Governor, that he might know the state of said arms. 

The Assembly appointed David Waterbury, Jr., Esq., brigadier general of 
the battalions of militia ordered raised to reinforce the continental army in 
Canada. 

James Wadsworth, Jr., Esq., brigadier general of the battalions of militia 
raised to reinforce the continental army at New York, 

Gold S. Silliman, John Douglass, Fisher Gay, John Chester, William Doug- 
lass, Comfort Sage, Heman Swift, and Samuel Selden, Esqr's., were appointed 
colonels of the battalions ordered to be raised in the colony. 

Solomon Wells, John Chandler, Selah Hart, Jonathan Lattimer, William 
Worthington, James Arnold, William Danielson, and Josiah Starr, Esq'rs,, were 
appointed lieutenant colonels of the battalions of foot, to be raised in the colony. 



224 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 

Matthew Mead, of Nor\^^, John Ripley Bilell, Stilworthi^ Waters, Phineas 
Porter, John Sumner, Gile^missell, and Benadam Gallop, Esq'rs., werejippoint- 
ed majors of the battalions of foot to be raised in the colony. 

Col. Erastus Wolcott was appointed colonel of tlie regiment ordered in May 
last, to be raised and stationed at or near New London, instead of Col. David 
Watcrbury, Jr., promoted. 

Samuel Mott, Esq., was appointed lieutenant colonel of the regiment ordered 
to be raised in May last, and stationed at or near New London, instead of Com- 
fort Sage, Esq., promoted. 

The Assembly appointed the persons hereinafter named, to the respective 
offices annexed to each, to take the command of tiie two battalions ordered by 
the Assembly to be raised to join the continental army in the northern depart, 
nient ; and the Governor was desired and empowered to give commissions 
according to the forms provided for each respective officer, and warrants for 
such as belonged to the staff, viz. : 

FIRST BATTALION. 

John Douglass, colonel ; Wiliiam Worlhington, lieutenant colonel ; John 
Sumner, major. 

1st company — Aaron Stevens, captain ; Isaac Turner, 1st lieutenant ; Moses 
Dudley, 2d lieutenant ; Joseph Hilyard, ensign. 

2d company — John Harman, Jr., captain ; Benjamin Harman, Jr., 1st lieuten- 
ant; Nathaniel Pomeroy, 2d lieutenant; Joel Adanis, ensign. 

3d company — Ichabod Norton, captain ; Amos Barnes, 1st lieutenant; Jabez 
Brooks, Jr., 2d lieutenant ; Jonathan Stoddard, ensign. 

4th company— Ozias Pettibone, captain ; George Griswold, 1st lieutenant; 
Uriel Holmes, 2d lieutenant; Simon Gaynes, ensign. 

5th company — Elijah Robinson, captain; David McCIure, 1st lieutenant; 
Eliphalet Curtiss, 2d lieutenant; Alexander King, ensign. 

6th company — Josiah Baldwin, captain ; Simeon Allen, 1st lieutenant; Wm. 
Caulkins, 2d lieutenant ; Stephen Billings, Jr., ensign. 

7lh company — Vine Elderkin, captain ; William Tressell, 1st lieutenant ; 
Abner Robinson, 2d lieutenant ; Lenmel Grosvenor, ensign. 

8th company — Elijah Sharp, captain ; Samuel Robinson, Jr., 1st lieutenant; 
Joseph Burgess, 2d lieutenant ; Simeon House, ensign. 

SECOND BATTALION. 

Heman Swift, colonel; Joseph Starr, lieutenant colonel ; Stilworthy Waters, 
major. 

1st company — Abijah Rowley, captain; Samuel Tyler, Jr., 1st lieutenant; 
Samuel Hazard, 2d lieutenant; Phineas Grover, ensign. 

2d company — Thaddeus Lacy, captain ; James Reynolds, 1st lieutenant ; 
Samuel Hurd, 2d lieutenant ; Abraham Post, ensign. 

3d company — Stephen Hall, captain ; Jehiel Meigs, Jr., 1st lieutenant ; Ebe- 
nezer Fowler, Jr., 2d lieutenant ; David Dudley, 3d, ensign. 

4th company — Stephen Matthews, captain ; Edward Tiley, 1st lieutenant ; 
Amos Hecock, Jr., 2d lieutenant ; Gideon Tucker, ensign. 

5th company — Elijah Beach, captain; Benjamin Nichols, 1st lieutenant; 
John Carter, 2d lieutenant; James Bebee, Jr., ensign. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 225 

6th company — Jonas Prentice, captain ; Samuel Camp, 1st lieutenant; Devan 
Berry, 2d lieutenant; Ambrose Baldwin, ensign. 

7th company — Jabez Bolsford, captain ; John Trowbridge, Jr., 1st lieutenant ; 
Shadrack Ilubbell, 2d lieutenant ; Clement Botsford, ensign. 

8th company — Ebenezer Coach, captain; John Ransom, Jr., 1st lieutenant ; 
John Bliss, 2d lieutenant; Jedediah Durkee, ensign. 

The Assembly appointed the persons, iiereafter named, to the respective offices 
herein mentioned, to take the command of the six battalions ordered by the 
Assembly to be raised and marched directly to New York, and there join the 
continental army ; and the Governor was ordered to give commissions accord, 
ing to the (then) late form provided for each officer, and to give warrants to 
the staff, 

FIRST BATTALION. 

Gold Sellick Silliman, Esq., colonel ; John Chandler, Esq., lieutenant colonel ; 
Matthew Mead, Esq., major. 

1st company — George Benjamin, captain ; Wakeman Burr, 1st lieutenant ; 
Josiah Lacy, 2d lieutenant; Daniel Duncan, ensign. 

2d company— Zalmon Read, captain ; Ezekiel Sanford, 1st lieutenant ; Ebe- 
nezer Banks, Jr , 2d lieuienant ; Joshua Adams, ensign. 

3d company — William Gaylord Hubbel, captain ; Peter Penfield, 1st lieuten- 
ant ; Seth Abbott, 2d lieutenant ; Benjamin Hecox, ensign. 

4th company — Abraham Mead, captain ; Simon Ingersoll, 1st lieutenant ; 
Henry Warren, 2d lieutenant; Thomas Hobby, ensign. 

5th company— Sy4vanus Brown, captain ; Joseph Webb, Jr., 1st lieutenant ; 
Thaddeus Weed, 2d lieutenant; Gideon Waterbury, ensign. 

6th company — Gamaliel Northrup, Jr., captain ; James Betts, Isl lieutenant; 
John St. John, 2d lieutenant ; Ebenezer Olmsted, ensign. 

7th company — Reuben Bostwick, captain ; Isaac DeForest, 1st lieutenant ; 
Israel Baldwin, 2d lieutenant ; Lazarus Ruggles, ensign. 

8th company — Nathan Hurd, captain ; Elisha Brace, 1st lieutenant ; Noah 
Judson, 2d lieutenant ; Elisha Clark, ensign. 

SECOND BATTALION. 

Fisher Gay, Esq., colonel ; Selah Hart, Esq., lieutenant colonel ; Benadam 
Gallop, Esq., major, 

1st company — Gad Stanly, captain; Ambrose Sloper, 1st lieutenant ; John 
Allen, 2d lieutenant ; Titus Bunnell, ensign. 

2d company — Jonah Gillett, Jr., captain; Obed Holcomb, 1st lieutenant; 
Fhineas Drake, 2d lieutenant ; Samuel Wing, ensign. 

3d company — Edward Rodgers, captain ; Nathaniel Hamlin, 1st lieutenant ; 
Hezekjah Andrews, 2d lieutenant; Joel Hinman, ensign. ' 

4th company — Stephen Goodwin, captain ; Giles Gaylord, 1st lieutenant ; 
Stephen Scovil, 2d lieutenant; Jesse Judd, ensign. 

5th company — Abraham Bradley, captain ; Tilly Blakely, 1st lieutenant ; 
Thomas Catlin, 2d lieutenant; James Morris, Jr., ensign. 

6th company — Simon Wolcott, captain; John Charter, 1st lieutenant; Hez. 
ekiah Welles, 2d lieutenant; Aaron Eaton, ensign. 



226 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 

7th company — Joseph Moselv, captain; Thomas Hollister, Jr., 1st lieutenant ; 
Matthew Buell, 2d iicutenaH^ Reuben Phelps, ensign. 

8th company — Epaphrus Loomis, captain ; John Rockwell, 1st lieutenant ; 
Abner Willson, 2d lieutenant; Charles Goodwin, ensign. 

THIRD BATTALION. 

Comfort Sage, Esq., colonel; William Daniels, lieutenant colonel; Elias 
Buell, major. 

1st company — James Clark, captain ; Elias Bliss, 1st lieutenant ; Ebenezer 
West, 2d lieutenant; Jonah Palmer, major. 

2d company— llezekiah Parsons, captain; Josiah Converse, 1st lieutenant; 
Joseph Booth, 2d lieutenant ; Nathaniel Chapin, ensign. 

3d company — Jonathan Birge, captain; Edward Payne, 1st lieutenant; Na. 
thaniel West, 2d lieutenant ; George Hubbard, ensign. 

4th company — Joseph Churchill, captain ; Jacob Wetmore, 1st lieutenant ; 
Timothy Clark, 2d lieutenant ; Titus Carrier, ensign. 

5th company — Edward Eells, Jr., captain; David Smith, 1st lieutenant; 
Joseph Cornish, 2d lieutenant ; Oliver Hubbard, ensign. 

6th company — Jonathan Parker, captain ; Ichabod Hinkley, 1st lieutenant ; 
Timothy Holt, 2d lieutenant; Joseph Rider, ensign. 

7th company — John Green, captain; Daniel Clark, 1st lieutenant; Josiah 
Robbins, 2d lieutenant ; Jonathan Buck, ensign. 

8th company — John Dixon, captain ; William Edmonds, 1st lieutenant ; 
Abraham Shepard, 2d lieutenant; John Chamberlin, ensign. 

FOURTH BATTALION. 

Samuel Selden, Esq., colonel ; Jonathan Lattimore, lieutenant colonel ; Giles 
Russell, major. 

1st company — John Willey, captain; Bezaleel Brainard, 1st lieutenant; 
Jonathan Kilbourn, 2d lieutenant; Jonah Brainard, ensign. 

2d company — William Belcher, captain; Benjamin Brewster, 1st lieutenant ; 
Isaac W. Stanton, 2d lieutenant; Asa Story, ensign. 

3d company — Richard Deshon, captain; John Comstock, 2d, 1st lieutenant; 
Edward Hallam, 2d lieutenant ; Richard Douglass, ensign. 

4th company — Ebenezer Witter, Jr., captain ; Elias S, Palmer, 1st lieuten. 
ant ; Joseph Smith, 2d lieutenant ; John Williams, 3d, ensign. 

5lh company — Abel Spicer, captain; Jonathan Palmer, 1st lieutenant; Park 
Avery, Jr., 2d lieutenant ; Edward JefFery, ensign. 

6th company — Joshua Huntington, captain ; Ezekiel Waterman, 1st lieuten. 
ant ; John Wheatly, 2d lieutenant ; Charles Fanning, ensign. 

7th company — Elijah Bingham, captain ; Elisha Wade, 1st lieutenant ; Wra. 
Raymond, 2d lieutenant; David Bill, ensign. > 

8th company — Elisha Chapman, captain; John Hart, 1st lieutenant; Job 
Wright, 2d lieutenant; Nathaniel Jones, Jr., ensign. 

FIFTH BATTALION. 

William Douglass, colonel ; James Arnold, lieutenant colonel ; Phineas Porter, 
major. 

1st company — Nathaniel Johnson, captain; Nathan Parson, 1st lieutenant ; 
Ambrose Ilinc, 2d lieutenant ; Charles Norton, ensign. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 227 

2d company — Edward Russell, captain; Samuel Baldwin, Ist lieutenant; 
Stephen Potter, 2d lieutenant; Joseph Shay lor, ensign. 

3d company — Robert Brown, captain ; Peter Johnson, 1st lieutenant ; Joseph 
Mansfield, 2d lieutenant; Samuel Newton, ensign. 

4th company — Noah Ives, captain ; Jared Robinson, 1st lieutenant ; Jared 
Hill, 2d lieutenant; John Mansfield, ensign. 

5lh company — Samuel Peck, Jr., captain ; Johiel Bryant, 1st lieutenant ; 
Jesse Goodyeai, 2d lieutenant ; Titus Peck, ensign. 

6th company — John Lewiss, Jr., captain ; James Warner, 1st lieutenant ; 
Michael Bronson, 2d lieutenant ; Joseph Beach, Jr., ensign. 

7th company — Nathaniel Bunnel, captain ; Hawkins Hart, 1st lieutenant ; 
Thomas Lyman, 2d lieutenant ; Miles Hull, ensign. 

8th company — Cornelius Higgins, captain ; James Arnold, 1st lieutenant ; 
Amos Beecher, 2d lieutenant; Samuel Scovil, ensign. 

SIXTH BATTALION. 

John Chester, Esq., colonel ; Solomon Wills, lieutenant colonel ; John Rip. 
ley, ensign. 

1st company — Israel Seymour, captain ; John Barnard, 1st lieutenant ; Sam- 
uel Mattox, 2d lieutenant ; Joseph Bunce, ensign. 

2d company — Hezekiah Wyllys, captain ; Jolin Hurlbut, Jr., 1st lieutenant ; 
Josepii Skinner, 2d lieutenant; Andrew Hylyer, ensign. 

3d company — Chester Wells, captain ; Edward Bulkley, 1st lieutenant ; Ben- 
jamin Tallmadge, 2(1 lieutenant ; James Hecox, ensign. 

4th company — Benjamin Clark, captain; James Tyler, 1st lieutenant; Sam- 
uel Marcy, Jr., 2d lieutenant; Daniel Knowlton, ensign. 

5th company — Stephen Lyon, captain; Josiah Childs, 1st lieutenant ; John 
Kimball, 2d lieutenant ; Richard Peabody, ensign, 

6th company — Asa Bacon, captain ; Abner Bacon, 1st lieutenant ; Amaziah 
Rust, 2d lieutenant ; Aaron Cleveland, ensign. 

7th company — Samuel Thomson, captain ; Gershom Parsons, 1st lieutenant ; 
Daniel Dunham, 2d lieutenant; Ebenezer Sessions, ensign. 

8tli company — John Isham, Jr., captain ; Eliphalet Chamberlain, 1st lieuten- 
ant ; Asaph Trumbull, 2d lieutenant ; Joshua Ransom, Jr., ensign. 

William Hawley was appointed 1st lieutenant, and John Blackleach, 2d lieu- 
tenant, under Capt. Elijah Abell, in a company raised in May last. Thomas 
Abbee, of Enfield, was appointed 1st lieutenant in Capt. John Harmon's com- 
pany, and Nathaniel Pomeroy, Jr., of Suffield, 1st lieutenant in Capt. Abel 
Pease's company. , 

The officers' commissions appointed May session, 1776, were to be dated on 
the 10th day of June, 1776, and issued by the Governor. And the officers' com- 
missions of this session were to bear date June 20th, 1776. The Governor was 
authorized to appoint others, and fill vacancies, if any officers appointed in the 
aforesaid companies should decline their appointment ; and to appoint armorers 
for the several regiments aforesaid. 

It was ordered, that the colonel of each battalion ordered to be raised, should 
receive of his pay master of the continental army, the first months pay of each 
soldier, and pay it into the colony treasury, deducting out what should be due to 



228 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 

each enlisted soldier from the day of his enlistment to his march ; and what 
should be deducted, to be flM to the captains of said companies, and by them 
paid to the soldiers, according to the act of Assembly. 

It was ordered, that the committee of pay table should order and pay to the 
several captains of companies, ordered raised either in May or June, 1776, the 
amount of the several premiums, advance pay and wages, ordered to them and 
their companies, to be advanced to them on their enlistment, or march out of the 
colony. 

It was directed, that the troops then at New London, Groton, Stonington, and 
New Haven, and the additional troops raised to augment said troops into a regi- 
ment, should receive the same pay, wages, and allowances, &:c., as troops raised 
by order of the Continental Congress for continental service. And that any able 
bodied man that had or should enlist to augment said troops into a regiment, 
should receive a premium of twenty shillings over and above contine'ntal allow- 
ance. 

The colonels of the several regiments to be raised to join the army at New 
York, were permitted to ship to the place of their destination, four hogsheads of 
rum, two hogsheads of molasses, and two barrels of sugar, for each of their re. 
giments. 

Samuel Abbott, Hezekiah Lane, Thaddeus Burr, Jonathan Fitch, Elisha 
Child, and Joseph Hopkins, were appointed, in addition to a former committee, 
to procure fire arms. 

The Legislature had reason to apprehend that there would be large demands 
for the article of pork, to supply the tories that had been and were about to be 
raised for public service and that measures should be taken to procure a supply 
thereof; and that danger was apprehended that large quantities might be clan- 
destinely purchased and conveyed to the enemy, or engrossed by individuals, 
which might distress both the public and the poor in the colony : the Legislature 
therefore appointed Jeremiah Wadsworth, of Hartford, John Deshon, of New 
London, J. Fitch, of New Haven, Samuel Squire, of Fairfield, David Trumbull, of 
Lebanon, Lynd Lord, of Litchfield, and any or either of them to purchase for 
the colony, all the pork within the same, at the market price, to be kept in pro- 
per stores, and disposed of for public use, as the exigences of aff'airs should 
require for the colony or the continental army, under the direction of the Assem- 
bly or the Governor and Council ; and the committee of pay table were directed 
to draw on the Treasurer for money to pay for the same. It was also provided, 
that if any person should be possessed of any quantity of stores of pork more 
than sufficient for his own use, and should refuse to sell and deliver said pork to 
said committee, on his or their request and tender of the money or bills of credit 
therefor, at the market price, that such person so refusing should forfeit the 
value of all such pork so refused for the use of the colony, and to be recovered in 
any court proper to try the same. And either of said committee was authorized 
to prosecute. 

The article of lead being scarce, and greatly wanted in the colony for the use 
of the army; it was provided, that the selectmen of all the towns in the colony, 
should forthwith purchase such lead weights, and all other implements of lead, 
all bar lead and old lead, (except sheet lead on buildings), all shot at a reasonable 
price, and certify the quantity by them obtained and the price paid, to the com- 
mittee of pay table, who were directed to draw orders on the Treasurer for 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 229 

the same — which was directed to be certiticd to tlie Governor, quantity, &.c. &c. 
It was further provided, that in case any person refused to deliver said lead to 
the selectmen as aforesaid, that it was made the duty of the civil authority to 
issue warrants, and impress such lead for the use of the colony. 

The committee appointed to procure tin kettles and iron hollow ware, for the 
use of the battalions of foot, were also directed to purchase two suitable brass 
wash kettles, for each company in said battalion, and deliv|r them to Ihn com. 
missary general. 

Daniel Brainard, Dyer Throop, and Jabez Chapman were a committee, (for 
the purpose of fully carrying into effect the contract of Thomas IJidwell in 
manufacturing sulphur) ; to contract with all persons in whose lands sulphur 
could bo discovered, for liberty to use tlie ore for a reasonable rent ; and in case 
such persons should refuse so to contract, the Assembly authorized said Bid- 
well, or his agents, to enter upon their lands and dig, take, and use such ore as 
they found impregnated with sulphur, by paying such rent as s;iid committee 
should judge just, and such writing of said committee should operate as effectual 
as a lease from the owner of the lands, for said Bidwell to enter and use the ore. 
Maj. Nathaniel Terry was appointed, (instead of Col. Porter) to procure 
twenty pots and receivers for Thomas Bidwell, to manufacture sulphur. 

Joseph Hopkins, Esq., Mr. Isaac Doolitlle, Capt. Eiisha Childs, Col. Samuel 
Chapman, and Capt. Henry Allyn were appointed a conmiittee severally, or iu 
conjunction, to search after lead mines in the colony, and directed to inform tho 
Governor should any be discovered, that the Governor might inform the Con. 
tinental Congress. 

It was enacted, that .£50,000 in bills of credit should be imprinted, on the 
credit of the colony, equal to lawful money, of denominations from 1 shilling 
and 6 pence to 40 shillings inclusive, of the same tenor of the former emissions 
of bills of credit, payable before the 1st day of January, 1782, and dated 19lli 
day of June, 1776, — and J. Hamlin, William Pitkin, George Wyllys, Elislia 
Williams, B. Payne, Thomas Seymour, and Jesse Root, Esq'rs., were appointed 
to take charge of the printing, &c. of said bills as the act directed. A tax of 
seven pennies on the pound was laid on all the rateable estate and polls in tho 
colony, to pay said bills of credit; which tax was made payable in any bills 
emitted by the Assembly, continental bills, or lawful money. 

A report was made on the memorial of the committee of inspection of the 
town of Norwich, regarding tho brig Nancy and her cargo, brought into Nor- 
wich in July, 1775 ; that the said brig and cargo was the property of Joshua 
Winslow, of Boston, deceased ; that the said Joshua, at the time of his death, 
was reputed an enemy of this country ; that said brig, &.C., was the property of 
said Joshua's widow and heirs ; that the widow also was an enemy of this 
country ; that said brig went into Stonington in July, 1775, and was seized by . 
some persons in Norwich, who sent Ciipt. Robert Niles to take her to Norwich, 
to prevent her falling into the hands of the enemy, then in Boston; that Capt. 
Niles was not then in the service of tlie colony ; that the brig and cargo was laid 
up in Norwich on the 18th day of July, 1775, by the committee of correspond, 
ence and inspection in Norwich, &c. The Legislature ordered said brig and 
cargo to bo sold, and the molasses sold to householders, or to such persons as 
would dispose of it to householders, and of the avails of said sale, to pay the 
demand of Dodge and company, of Boston, and liie remainder to pay to the 
30 



230 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 

Treasurer of the colony^ad to pay any other persons who should satisfy the 
Assembly they had any laWful title to the same. 

Amos Barnes, Dan Hill, and James Stoddard, three of the committee of 
inspection in Farniinglon, informed the Assembly, tiiat Thomas Brooks, of said 
town, was h lieutenant of tlio 12lli company and ] 5lh regiment ; and that he 
had openly declared before said committee that he was not satisfied that the 
colonies could be justified in their measures ; that he refused to join them 
against Great Britain, or the King. The Legislature appointed Col. John 
Pit^n, and Col. Thomas Belden, a committee to examine the case of said 
Brooks, and report to said Assembly. 

The Governor was authorized to employ a suitable person for a post rider, 
from Hartford to Albany, or farther north, as he should think necessary, to 
carry and bring letters and intelligence for the year then ensuing, or until the 
Assembly, or Governor and Committee of Safety should otherwise order. 

Gold S. Silliman, Esq., was appointed colonel of the regiment of horse, in 
the colony, established in May, 1776. Thomas Seymour, Esq., lieutenant 
colonel, and William Hart, major of said regiment of horse. 

William Hillhouse, major of the 2d regiment of horse. 

Daniel Starr, Esq., major of the 3d regiment of horse. 

Ebenezer Backus, major of the 4th regiment of horse. 

Eiisha Sheldon, major of the 5th regiment of horse established as aforesaid. 

Timothy Scranton asked the Assembly for compensation for nursing his sick 
son, who was a soldier under Col. Ward, with the wages of said soldier. The 
Assembly ordered said account adjusted and paid. 

Gershom Clark, of Lebanon, claimed that ho was a soldier in Gen. Putnam's 
regiment, and that at the battle at Bunker Hill, on the 17lh of June, 1775, he 
received a shot through his body, by which he was dangerously wounded, and 
was unable to labor and support liimself and family ; and therefore, asked aid of 
the Assembly. The Assembly ordered to be paid to said Clark the sum of £30 
out of the treasury of the colony. 

Gr;>ce Meigs, (the wife of R. J. Meigs, a major in the service,) who was 
detained a prisoner of war at Quebec, from the 1st of September, 1775, to the 
1st of June, 1776 ; asked said Assembly to pay to her, her husband's wages; 
which said Assembly ordered to be paid. 

The Legislature was adjourned, until the Governor should see cause again to 
convene it. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 231 



GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 

OCTOBER SESSION. 

At a General Assembly of the Governor and Company of the 
State of Connecticut, in New England, in America, holden at 
New Haven, October 10th, and adjourned the 7th day of November, 
A. D. 1776. 

Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Governor. 

Eight Assistants (only) present. 

The first act of the Assembly was to pass " The Declaration of Independ. 
ence," by Connecticut. (See the 95lh page of Ibis work.) 

The first law enacted at this session, was an act for the punishment of high 
treason against the State. 

It was enacted, that if any person or persons belonging to or residing in the 
State, and under the protection of its laws, should levy war against the State, 
or knowingly aid or assist enemies at open war against the State, or United 
States of America, by joining their armies, by enlisting, or procuring others to 
enlist for that purpose ; or furnishing such enemies with arms, ammunition, 
provisions, or any articles for their aid or comfort ; or carrying on a treacherous 
correspondence with them ; or bo any way concerned in ibrming any combina- 
tion, plots, or conspiracy, for betraying the State, or United Stales into the 
hands or power of any foreign enemy; or give or send any intelligence to the 
enemies of the State for that purpose ; every person so offending, and being 
thereof convicted, should suffer death. 

It was also enacted, that if any person should attempt to join the enemies of 
the State, or United States, or use an influence to persuade any person to aid, 
comfort, or assist them in any manner whatsoever, or have knowledge of any 
person endeavoring or using influence, and conceal the same, that lie should be 
punished by Jine, according to the nature of the offence, and imprisoned, at the 
discretion of the superior court, in any gaol in the State, not exceeding ten 
years. 

An act was passed for prescribing and enjoining an oath of fidelity to the State ; 
in which it was provided, that, as the King of Great Britain had abdicated the 
government of the United States, by placing them out of his protection, and un- 
justly levying war against them ; and as the States had declared their indepen- 
dance and sovereignty, which had been approved by this State : — The Legisla- 
ture, for the security of the State, resolved, that an oath of fidelity should be 
taken by the freemen and officers thereof, to truly and faithfully adhere to and 
maintain the government established in the State, by the people, according to 
the laws of the State; and that each believed in his conscience, that the King of 
Great Britain neither had, nor of right ought to have any authority in or over 



232 RKVOLIJTIONARY AVAR, 1776. 

the State, and tliat {hey ^^pot liold themselves bound to yield any alle^ance to 
the King, and that tliey would, to Ihe wtmost of their power, maintain and de- 
fend the freedom, independence, and privileges of the State, against all open 
enemies or traitorous conspiracies ; and that no person should be authorized to 
execute any office, after the 1st day of January, 1777, until he had taken the 
oath of fidelity ; that no freeman should vote for any officer of government, 
until he had taken said oath, and his name enrolled in the records of the town 
where sworn. 

A law was enacted, that the bills of credit, emitted and made current by the 
General Assembly of Connecticut, and such as had been issued by the United 
States, should be a legal lendfr as money, in all payments within the State. At 
the same time it was provided, that if any person within the State, should at- 
tempt to depreciate, or urrdervalue the bills of credit aforesaid, by offering, de- 
manding, or receiving more in said bills, in exchange for Spanish milled dollars, 
or other coins of gold or silver or bullion, than the nominal value thereof; or re- 
ceiving directly or indirectly, a greater sum in bills for houses, lands, goods, or 
other commodities, than the same could be purchased for in gold or silver ; or 
whoever should sell or offer for sale house, land, &c. for hard money, and 
should refuse to sell the same for any kind of bills ; every person so offending, 
forfeited the full value of the money so exchanged, or the houses, &c. so sold, 
one half to the public treasury of the State, and the other half to the person 
who should prosecute. 

As it was of the utmost importance, not only to the State, but equally so to 
all the States, and the commerce of the country, that entire confidence should be 
kept up in the bills of credit emitted, or that should be issued by order of the 
Continental Congress, as well as the bills or notes of the continental loan 
offices. And as counterfeiting was fast becoming more and more frequent, a law 
was enacted, that whoever forged or altered any bills of credit emitted by Con- 
gress, or notes or bills issued from any of the continental loan offices established 
in any of the United States, engrave plates or instruments to be used for such 
purposes, &c. should be punished by the same pains and penalties provided for 
the crime of counterfeiting the bills of credit of this and the other States. 

A law was enacted, empowering the civil authority, selectmen, and committee 
of inspection of the several towns in the State, to confine within certain limits' 
or to remove all inimical persons within their respective towns, if on examination 
they should judge them inimical or dangerous to the United States, at the cost of 
the offenders. The Governor and Council of Safety were to determine the pla- 
ces of confinement of such inimical persons as should be removed as aforesaid, 
and give orders for their government and support, and order a guard, if neces- 
sary, to secure them, and cost that might arise for officer's fees, &c., on such 
confinement and removal was taxed by any of said civil authority, and execution 
granted for the same. And it was provided, that the said committee appointed 
to take charge of prisoners were authorized to call out guards, by liberty obtain- 
ed of the civil authority and selectmen in any town in the State. 

The Assembly appointed an inspector of gun powder, to examine and brand 
all that was made for the State ; the fees of which office was one-eighth part of 
a dollar for each 100 pounds he should examine. All powder offered for sale, 
made in any of the ITnited States, not inspected, was forfeited. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 233 

It liaving been found that much of the salt petre manufactured in the colony, 
was impure, and unfit for making good gun powder ; therefore the Assembly 
appointed an inspector of salt petre for each powder mill in the State, to be sworn 
carefully to inspect all salt petre brought to the respective mills, before any pre- 
miums should be paid thereon. 

It was a subject of great complaint in the !, State, that in this time of public 
distress and struggle, many individuals endeavored to engross the necessaries of 
life that were immediately required for the comfort and support of the armies, 
and extortion and oppression arose upon the poor and the soldiery ; to prevent 
which, the Assembly ordered, that the Governor, with the advice of his Com- 
mittee of Safety, were empowered, that whenever and whatever article of neces- 
sary support for the army should be wanted, to impress and seize the same out of 
the hands of any engrosser, to have the property appraised by two indifferent 
men under oath, and pay'^such price to the owner or engrosser. 

The article of salt was scarce in the State, and the previous bounty offered 
by the Assembly for its manufacture, not having been a sufficient inducement to 
supply the wants of the inhabitants ; a bounty of one shilHng per bushel was 
offered for any quantity manufactured in the State, less than five hundred bush- 
els, before the 1st day of November, 1777. 

The Governor and Council of Safety were empowered for the benefit of the 
public, at their discretion, to lay any further embargo upon the exportation of 
swine, or any other article, out of the State, in the recess of the General As- 
sembly. 

As the Continental Congress had recommended that a loan office should be 
established, in each of the States ; and that a commissioner to superintend such 
office should be appointed in each State. The Legislature judging that such 
loan office might aid in the monitary concerns in the State, approved of the 
measure — and therefore appointed John Lawrence, Esq., of Hartford, commis. 
sioner, to superintend such loan office as Congress should establish in this State, 
Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, Eliphalet Dyer, Oliver Wolcott, Rich. 
ard Law, and William Williams, Esq'rs., were appointed delegates to Congress. 
And said delegates were instructed that only three of them should attend at one 
time at the public expense; that they were to attend by turns, and agree between 
themselves as to time and convenience for each. 

Col. Thomas Seymour was appointed a member of the Council of Safety, in 
the place of Richard Law, Esq,, excused. 

Jesse Root, Esq., was appointed one of the committee of pay table. 
A bounty of 1 shilling per pound was ordered to be paid for all salt petre and 
nitre that should be manufactured, "according to previous laws, from the 1st of 
January, 1777, and before tlie 1st of June, 1777. 

An embargo was forthwith laid upon the exportation, by land or water, with- 
out a permit from the Governor, of wheat, rye, Indian corn, pork, salt, peas, 
beans, bread, flour, and every kind of meal, except necessary stores for outward 
bound vessels; also all kinds of cloths, linen and woolen, suitable for clothing 
for the army. Also an embargo was laid upon beef, live cattle, sheep, butter, 
and cheese ; provided that the act should not extend to prevent any person from 
carrying or sending to such soldiers in the army as might be under the care and 
special relation of such person, any necessary clothing or provisions for their 
own use. And the Governor was required to issue his proclamation accordingly. 



234 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 

The Legislature, in comuliance with the resolution of Congress of the 16th 
of September, 1776, ancWr the 8lh of October, 1776, that eight battalions 
should be immediately raised out of the colony troops then in the army, and of 
other inhabitants of llie State as would enlist, to serve during the war on the 
encouragement ofl'ercd by Congress. The Assembly in addition to thai encour- 
agoment, to induce the citizens of Connecticut to enlist, oflered to make suitable 
provision for furnishing said troops with clothing and other necessaries (not 
provided by Congress) on the best terms for which they could be procured, and 
delivered to said soldiers at first cost ; and to take care of the sick and wounded, 
that they should be provided with all necessaries for their comfort and relief. 

The State of Massachusetts Bay having added to the wages and allowance of 
the troops tlien about to be raised in that Stale for the service, the Assembly 
resolved, that every non-commissioned officer and soldier of the State, who had 
enlisted into the eight battalions ordered to bo raised, should have and receive 
from the State of Connecticut so much over and above the wages allowed and 
offered, or that should bo allowed and offered by the Continental Congress, 
as would make up the pay of a soldier to £3 per month during said service, 
and the pay of a non-commissioned officer in proportion thereto ; and in addi. 
tion, that each non-commissioned officer or soldier that should enlist in either 
of said eight battalions, should annually have from the State a good blanket. 

It was ordered by the Assembly, that each tent ordered made in the several 
towns, should contain 27 yards of cloth, one yard wide, well manufactured of 
yarn, not coarser than 30 knots to the pound. 

The Assembly appointed John Durkee, Jedediah Huntington, Andrew Ward, 
Jr., William Douglass, John Chester, Philip Burr Bradley, Heman Swift, and 
John Douglass, Esq'rs., to be colonels of the eight battalions ordered raised in 
this State. 

Samuel Prentice, Giles Russell, Solomon Wells, Obadiah Johnson, James 
Arnold, Thomas Hobby, John Chandler, and Josiah Starr, Esq'rs., to be lieu- 
tenant colonels of the eight battalions aforesaid. 

John Sumner, John Ely, Waterman Clift, Hezekiah Iloldridgc, David 
Dimon, John Ripley, Matthew Mead, and John Bigelow, Esq'rs., to be majors 
of said eight battalions aforesaid. 

CAPTAINS. 

Noah Phelps, Hezekiah Parsons, Elijah Robinson, Abner Pryor, Amasa Mills, 
John Isham, Jonathan Johnson, Eliphalot Holmes, Ichabod Norton, John Har- 
mon, John Wells, Chester Wells, John Parker, Simon Wolcolt, Abraham 
Tyler, and Edward Eells, to be captains in the said eight battalions. 

Edward Russell, Jonas Prentice, Nathaniel Bunnell, William Hull, Peter 
Perritt, Eli Leavenworth, Stephen Hall, and David Smith. 

David Fisher Sill, Christopher Darrow, Jr., Jedediah Hide, Abel Spicer, 
Christopher Ely, William Belcher, Aaron Stephens, Edward Shipman, Richard 
Deshon, Ebenezer Brewster, and Ebenezer Huntington. 

Robert Walker, Elijah Abel, Samuel Keeler, Joseph Hart, Sylvanus Brown, 
Noble Benedict, Phineas Beardsley, Jabez Botsford, Ezekiel Sanford, and 
Albert Chapman. 

Thomas Grovesnor, John Keyes, James Clark, James Dana, Benoni Cutler, 
Vine Elderkin, Wells Clift, Stephen Brown, Daniel Allen, and Daniel Tilden. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 236 

Nathaniel Tuttle, Isaac Bostwick, Abraham Bradley, Simeon Smith, Edward 
Rogers, Jesse Kimball, Solomon Strong, Bezaleel Bebee, and Theodore Wood- 
bridge, Esq'rs., to be captains in the eight battalions ordered raised in this State. 

FIRST LIEUTENANTS. 

The Assembly appointed Edward Dulkley, John Barnard, Eliphalet Chamber- 
lain, Henry Champion, Jr., Marcas Cole, George Griswold, Jr., Thomas HoUis. 
ter, Jr., Isaac Spencer, Ambrose Sloper, David McClure, Thomas Abby, Icha- 
bod Ilinkley, Samuel Carver, Stephen Palmer, Samuel Granger, and Ebenezer 
Wright, to be 1st lieutenants in said eight battalions. 

Joseph Mansfield, Israel Potter, Nathan Parsons, Michael Brunson, Ephraim 
Chamberlin, Gilbert Dudley, Samuel Barker, Jr., and Samuel Baldwin, Jr. 

David Nevins, Edward Hallam, Thomas Avery, Jonathan Palmer, Caleb 
Baldwin, Elisha Lee, Simeon Huntington, William Adams, Jacob Dowit, Oliver 
Babcock, and Beriah Bill. 

Robert Lewis, Josiah Lacy, Joseph A. Wright, Joseph Webb, Jr., John Jones, 
Lemuel Benedict, William Hawley, James Betts, Sylvanus Mead, and William 
Green. 

John McGregor, John Shumway, Abner Bacon, William Trezel, James 
Sprague, Josiah Child, Elias Wold, Joseph Talcolt, Abner Robinson, and 
Andrew Fitch. 

Peter Mills, Thomas Converse, Jesse Cook, Nathan Stoddard, Asahel Hodge, 
Elisha Bostwick, Eleazur Claghorn, John Rockwell, and Obadiah Gore, Jr., to 
be 1st lieutenants in the eight battalions ordered raised in this State. 

SECOND LIEUTENANTS. 

The Assembly appointed Roger Hooker, Edward Payne, Joseph Booth, Jr., 
Simeon Newell, Thomas Hayden, Ezekiel P. Balding, Abraham Wright, Aaron 
Hale, Jonathan Humphrey, Jr., Peleg Heath, Samuel Hazard, Jr., David Starr, 
Elijah Chapman, Jr., Silas Blodget, Samuel Felt, Jr., and Jonathan Hart. 

Charles Norton, Amos Fowler, Ambrose Hine, Ebenezer Fowler, Jr., Stephen 
Potter, Wm. Clark, Nathaniel Edwards, and Elias Stilwell. 

John Blackleach, Ebenezer Banks, Jr., Thaddeus Weed, Henry Warring, John 
St. John, James Hughs, Judson Whiting, Reuben Scovil, Samuel Hoit, and 
James Barns. 

Enoch Reed, William Richards, Park Avery, Jr., Nathaniel Bishop, Moses 
Dudley, Jr., Daniel Collins, William Raymond, Ezra Selden, Jr., Henry Hill, 
Ebenezer Perkins, and Joshua Tracy. 

Daniel Knowlton, Josiah Fuller, Joseph Birge, Sanford Kingsbury, Joshua 
Bottom, Ebenezer West,'Paul Brighafti, Sylvanus Perry, Samuel Campbell, and 
Benjamin Durkee. 

Noah Judson, John Holenbeck, Reuben Calking, Ebenezer Hill, John Jenkins, 
Jr., Josiah Stoddard, Jesse Grant, Samuel Stone Butler, and Samuel Pettibone, 
to be 2d lieutenants in the eight battalions aforesaid. 

ENSIGNS. 

The Assembly appointed Elijah Ransom, Samuel Richards, Elisha Brister, Jr., 
Simeon Belding, Powning Doming, Josiah Blakeslee, Benjamin Holcomb, Simeon 
Gains, John Buell, Orlando Mack, Benjamin Henshaw, Jr., Bildad Granger, 
Titus Bunnell, David Spencer, Samuel Smith, Phineas Grover, John Odell, Jer- 



236 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 

emiah Beard Eells, Gideon Waterbury, Thornas Hobby, Jr., Ebenezer Olmsted, 
Benjamin Hicock, Timothjjraylor, Clement Botsford, James Bebee,and Stephen 
Belts. 

William Smith, David Dudley, 3d, Joseph Shaylor, Joseph Beach, Jr., John 
Mansfield, David Hitchcock, Edward Riggs, Timothy White, Obadiah Child, 
Ichabod Bosworth, Joseph Hull, Lemuel Grosvenor, Lemuel Clift, Ebenezer 
Wales, Jonathan Nichols, Simon House, David Dorrance, and John Alden. 

Daniel Wait, Daniel Billings, John Durkee, Jr., Jabez Smith, Jr., David Bill, 
Asa Story, Richard Douglass, Benoni Shipman, Charles Fanning, Thomas 
Updike, Fosdick Clark, and Reuben Clark. 

David GofF, Elihu Smith, Salmon Agard, Zerah Beach, Alexander Waugh, 
Israel Jones, Jr., Charles Goodwin, Asa Brunson, and John Jameson, to be 
ensigns in the eight battalions so raised as aforesaid. 

The Governor and Council of Safety were authorized to appoint all the staff 
officers, for the eight battalions ordered raised within the colony, and to fill all 
such vacancies as should occur in said battalions, either of commissioned ofliicers 
or of the staff, by reason of refusal or otherwise, during the recess of the As- 
sembly ; and to appoint paymasters to the several regiments. 

David Wooster, Esq., was appointed major general of the militia. 

The seaport towns on Long Island sound being greatly exposed to the incur- 
sions of the enemy, the Legislature authorized the Governor to apply to Con- 
gress to allow two battalions, at the expense of the United States, to be stationed 
along the coast in this State, at such places as the Governor and Council of 
Safety should direct. 

The near approach of the enemy to the western part of Connecticut, and the 
critical situation of the continental army, together with the danger there was of 
the enemy's cutting off the communication between the country and the troops, 
called for the speedy exertion of all the strength in that quarter, to oppose their 
further inroads ; and it was therefore ordered, that as many of the militia as 
were fit for service, and other householders and able bodied, effective men, within 
the limits of the 9th, 10th, 13th, and 16th regiments, should be immediately called 
out, well armed, equipped, and embodied under the command of Major General 
Wooster, appointed for this purpose, to lead and command the troops in the 
necessary operations against the enemy, and to relieve the army ; and notify the 
commander-in-chief of the continental army of his situation, and his readiness to 
co-operate with him, take his directions, and consult with other generals of our 
army that should be most convenient. 

And it was also ordered, that the 3d reg^ent of light horse, and the troop of 
horse in the 10th regiment of militia, should forthwith march to the western part 
of this State, and join the forces under the command of Maj. Gen. Wooster, who 
was empowered to give orders for their march, operations, and stations. 

It was farther ordered, that the committee of pay table should draw upon the 
Treasurer in favor of the colonel of each regiment of the militia ordered to march 
as aforesaid, for such sum as would enable the colonels to pay 20 shillings to each 
officer and soldier of the regiment that should join and march as ordered. And it 
was resolved, that the troops of horse and militia so ordered out, should not be 
liolden in said service longer than two months from the time of their march. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. ^o7 

A number of non-commissioned officers and soldiers neglected lo march to 
New York in August and Seplernbor, 1776, after liaving been so ordered l)y the 
Governor; it was resolved, that Col. J. Fitch, of New Haven, and Col. Jolin 
Mead, should pay each of said officers and soldiers that should march according 
to the Governor's proclamation, 20 shillings lawful money, and exhibit their 
account to the pay table for allowance. 

An act was passed to compel all persons to furnish necessary stores and 
assistance to the quarter master general of the continental army. That if any 
person within the State should on request, refu.se lo sell or supply the quarter 
master, or his agent, with the articles of timber, boards, shingles, brick or stone, 
or let their horses, oxen, carts or carriages to transport the same, or other 
necessary supplies and aid for the use of the army ; it was made the duty of 
any assistant or justice of the peace, on complaint of the quarter master, to 
grant a warrant, ;j and impress from persons so refusing, all articles aforesaid 
necessary for the supply of the army, by paying the reasonable value of such 
articles, on appraisal, taken or used. 

It was ordered by the Assembly, that there should be provided in this Slate, 
as soon as might be, for the use of the militia when called into actual service, 
the following articles of camp equipage and utensils, viz. : 2,000 tents, 2,000 
iron pots, containing 2 gallons each; 4,000 wooden bowls, and 6,000 canteens 
or wooden bottles. And it was resolved, that the same should be provided by 
the several towns in this State, in manner and proportion following, viz. : that 
1 tent, 1 iron pot, 2 wooden bowls, and 3 canteens, should be provided for 
every £1,000 of the grand list of such towns in the year 1775. And the select. 
men were ordered to procure said articles, and hold them in constant readiness 
for the use of the militia when called into service, the cost whereof was dirrcted 
to be paid and borne by such towns respectively ; and also procure boxes to 
secure said articles for transportation. 

The committee of pay table were authorized and directed to adjust and allow 
all reasonable sums for inevitable losses of clothing, blankets, arms, and accou- 
trements of the officers and soldiers of the militia, or new levies that were pro- 
vided for and used by them ; provided they should produce a certificate from two 
of the general officers then in the army, of this State, or from one general 
officer^and one colonel of this State; and all sums justly due for costs by 
sickness on the road, going or returning from either of said armies, or for medi. 
cine at the army, that could not have been obtained out of the public stores. 
Also that all officers and soldiers of the militia who inarched in obedience to 
orders of the Governor, to the assistance of the army after the 1st of July, 1776, 
and produced a discharge, or were permitted to return on furlough, or by 
reason of sickness, and not returned as deserters, should be allowed 20 shillings 
each for their extraordinary expenses at that season of the year ; al.'so the repre. 
Bcntatives of such as died in the service, over and above the wages and mileage 
allowed by Congress. And the commanding officers of the regiments, were 
ordered to return the names of all deserters in tiieir regiments, to the committee 
of pay table, to enable said committee to execute the trust. 

Gen. Gates, by a letter to the Assembly, requested to be sent to Tieonderoga, 

a number of iron spades and shovels ; and a quantity of flour and shingle nails 

to Skeensborough, for the use of the army under his command. Maj. Ebenezer 

Gay was therefore appointed by the Assembly, to purchase 200 spades and 

31 



238 KEA^OLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 

shovels, and send them forthwith to Gen. Gates, at Ticonderoga. Also to pur- 
chase ten tons of wheal flWr and transport it immediately to Skeensborough, 
to bo there stored as Gen. Gates should direct. And the Treasurer was directed 
to deliver to Maj. E. Gay the sum of jCSOO, and take his receipt to account for 
the same. Dr. John Dickinson was appointed to employ u number of nail 
makers forthwith to manuf.icturo shingle nails ; and the Governor was requested 
to inform Gen. Gates thereof, and request him to inform the Governor the quan- 
tity required. 

The committee appointed to take into consideration what further measures 
were best to be taken to provide for the relief of the militia of the Slate, and to 
obtain their early release from service— reported, that the Legislature should 
request the Governor to write to Gen. Washington, and request him, as soon as 
might be, to discharge all the sick in the militia, who should be judged incapa. 
ble for further service : and provide blankets and clothing for such of the militia 
as had been so unfortunate as to have lost them in retreating from the enemy, 
or to permit some suitable persons on furlough, to repair to the different parts 
of the State to inform the friends of such soldiers, and procure the articles of 
them. 

The committee of pay tabic were directed to draw an order upon the Trea- 
surer for the sum of .£400 in bills, in favor of Elisha Sheldon, to defray the 
expense of llie light horse under liis command ordered to march into the State 
of New York. 

Wait Goodrich, Eneas Munson, Guy Riciiards, Abraham Bcardslee, Constant 
Southworth, Asahel Bebee, and Zcbulon Butler, were appointed inspectors of 
gun powder, until the 1st day of June, 1777 ; and Constant Southworth, Dr. 
Eneas Munson, Col. Joshua Porter, and Wait Goodrich, Esq'rs., were appointed 
re-inspeclors of salt potrc at the powder mills, until tlie 1st day of June, 1777. 
It was represented to the Logishiture, that the act passed in June, 1776, 
appointing Samuel Squire, to purchase pork, &c., for the use of the colony, 
that some persons in Fairfield county, in violation of said act, retained quanti- 
ties of pork wanted for tiie public ; Samuel Squire was therefore directed to 
seize any quantity of pork that should be wanted for public use, from any person 
that had or should refuse to sell the same, as provided in said act ; and when 
seized, to pay for it as provided in the last act aforesaid. And said Squire was 
empowered to take with him assistance for that purpose, and to break open any 
shop or store, in order to carry said law into full effect. 

The Assembly having been informed of the distressed condition of many of 
the militia that had been ordered to join the continental army, by want of phy- 
sicians and medicines for the sick; they appointed Doct. Samuel Gale, and Dr. 
Jonathan Todd, (as his mate) forthwith to repair to the cojitinental troops and 
militia in New Jersey, to carry with them as many medicines* and refreshments 
as they conveniently could, and to take care of any of the sick from this State. 
And .£100 was ordered to be paid to Dr. Gale to enable them to provide for and 
do the business. 

The Assembly was also informed, by letter from Dr. Morgan to the Governor, 
of the necessity of some person's being appointed to take immediate care of the 
hospital stores for tho Connecticut troops in the continental service, and offering 
8 shillings per day for such persons as should bo so appointed. Tho Legisla- 
ture therefore appointed Dr. Philip Turner, of Norwich, to be physician and 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 239 

stirgoon for the Connecticut troops in the continental service, and director of 
eaid liospitul stores for said troops ; and authorized said Turner to procure all 
medicul stores he should judge necessary. And ihe Assembly directed that said 
Turner should be puid 4 shillings, in addition to the 8 shillings per day offered 
as an inducement for his acceptance of said appointment. And the Governor 
was requested to give notice of said appointment to said Turner, and urge his 
acceptance of the trust, and order him to repair immediately to said troops— 
and an order from the pay table of ,£300 lawful money, was given to said Tur. 
ncr, to procure hospital stores for the Connecticut troops. 

It was ordered by the Assembly, that the fire arms that were ordered made for 
the use of the Slate, should he of the followihg dimensions, viz.: the length of 
the barrel from 3 feet 8 inches to 3 feet 10 inches; the bore from inside to inside 
should be so large as to receive an ounce ball in a cartridge ; blade of bayonet 
16 inciies in length, and socket four inches; iron ram rods with a spring in the 
lowest loop to secure the ram rods ; a good bridle lock ; mounted with brass, 
and marked with the name of the maker, and also the letters, S. C on the barrel 
of each gun. 

It was resolveil by the Assembly, that Capt. Robert Fairchild, Capt. Epliraim 
Pease, Capt. Dudley Wright, Dr. John Dickinson, Asahel Holcomb, Nathan 
Frink, Capt. Jahez Huntington, and (i^apt. John Phelps, should be a committee, 
in addition to a former one, to procure fire arms and gun locks, offering the 
same encouragement as before. And Elihu (;!lark, Maj. Nathaniel Brown, 
Samuel Smith, Capt. L. Stoughlon, Isaac Dooliltle, Joseph Hopkins, Samuel 
Noycs, John Raymond, Capt. D. Judson, Capt. J. Huntington, Elnathan 
Walker, Edmond Beach, and Capt. M. Gillett, were appointed inspectors, to 
examine and approve of all such fire arms and locks as should be made within 
the Slate. 

Ab it was necessary to keep the foundry at Salisbury in blast, for the purpose 
of making a sufficient number of cannon for the public defence ; and it. being 
difficult in the ordinary method to procure wood to keep the same in blast ; the 
Assembly ordered the purchase of a quantity of wood of the heirs of Daniel 
Edwards. 

It became necessary that a commissory of prisoners of war should be appointed 
in the several States. It was resolved, that Epaphras Bull, of Hartford, should 
be a commissary of prisoners of war, in this State, whose duty it was made, to 
take care of all such prisoners as were then or should be sent into this State, 
and provide for them ; and observe all rules and orders of the General Assem. 
bly. Governor, and Committee of Safety, and the Continental Congress, regard, 
ing such prisoners, and make monthly returns of the condition of said prisoners 
to the board of war appointed by Congress. 

Doctors Alexander Wolcott, John Dickinson, John Watrous, Eneas Munson, 
Leverit Hubbard, Elias Carrington, Elisha Tracy, Benjamin Gale, Eieazer 
Mather, l!latt Townsend, Amos Mead, James Cogswell, John Clark, Elisha 
Lord, Samuel Lee, Reuben Smith, Elisha Sill, and Seth Bird, or any three of 
them, were appointed a committee to examine all persons in this State that were 
offered to serve as surgeons or surgeon's mates, in the continental army or navy, 
and if found qualified, to give them certificates accordingly. Ffrstly being sworn 
to a faithful performance of said duty. 



240 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 

A resolution pnssed to desire llie Governor to request the commanding officer 
of the northern army, tc^Wflcr suitable provision made for the officers and 
soldiers of Connecticut, particularly for the sick on^their return home. And if 
it should he found difficult for said officer to attend to said business, the Gover- 
nor and Council of Safety were desired to make such provision. 

Elijah Hyde, Jr., was appointed major of the 2d regiment of light horse, in 
the place of William Hiiliiouse, Esq., resigned. 

The Legislature were apprehensive that the stores and provisions for the use 
of the army and the people of Connecticut, were in great danger of being taken 
by the enemy, particularly such as were stored in the various parts along the 
sound in several towns in the western part of the State ; they therefore appointed 
John Davenport, Esq,, forthwith to proceed, with the advice of any agent under 
the commissary general, and romovo all such stores back into the country, from 
the sea shore, to some safe place of deposite, with full power to impress men, 
teams, and carriages, as they should find necessary. 

The Governor was requested to issue iiis proclamation, offering a pardon to 
all such non-commissioned officers and soldiers, as had not mustered according 
to his orders, for the defence of the country ; and such as had deserted the 
service after they had joined and niarclicd with their corps, after the 1st day of 
July, 1776 ; provided they would immediately return to their duty, and join their 
respective companies, or to any company then ordered to march under Maj. 
Gen. Wooster, with full pay and rations. And it was further ordered, that the 
Governor should direct immediate process to be issued against all such as should 
still refuse to compl)' with their duty; and thai said proclamation should be 
published in the several newspapers in this State. 

The 3d and part of the 1st regiment of light horse were ordered to march to 
the west part of llie State, under the command of Gen. Wooster; and he was 
authorized to draw on the pay table, and to pay 20 shillings to each person, as 
advance pay, that should so march, and render his account therefor. 

It was ordered by the Assembly, that a hospital should be provided and main- 
tained by the State, for the reception of all such soldiers of this State, as should 
serve in the continental army, and such of the militia as should join the army 
during the war. And that said hospital should be under the direction of a chief 
surgeon, appcinlud by the State, and furnished with skilful surgeons, medicines, 
&c., and should deal out the same to the regimental surgeons. The organiza- 
tion of which, and provisions therefor, was submitted to the care and order of 
the Governor and his Council of Safely, with the advice of the general. And 
said Assembly ordered 400 bed sacks, 400 shirts, 400 blankets, and 800 sheets, 
to be forthwith procured for the use of the sick in said hospital. 

It was ordered, that Roger Sherman, Abraham Davenport, Thaddeus Burr, 
and John Davenport, Esq'rs., or any three of them, should repair to the army, 
under the command of Gen. Washington, and with Ihe advice of the general 
officers belonging to this State in said army, to arrange into regiments and 
companies, the officers appointed by the Assembly for said battalions to i)o 
raised in the State, and number their commissions according to their rank. 

The exposed situation of the towns on the sound, by reason of the British 
being in our waters on the coast, and the danger of our being taken by surprise, 
induced the Legislature to direct the Governor forthwith to issue his orders to 
the chief commanders (then present) of the 2d, 3d, 4th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, and 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 241 

12th regiments of militia; to havo special care that the officers and soldiers of 
said regiments should be well equipped with arms and ammunition, and tneir 
post assigned them to which to repair in case of an alarm, and the captains 
well instructed, as well as the subalterns and soldiers, to be careful not to be 
unawares surprised. And that in case the enemy should land on the coast in 
any town, to give speedy notice to the adjoining towns, to collect all possible 
force, and us«?all means to repel the enemy. 

The great distress in the State for money, induced the Legislature to direct 
the pay table to forthwitli call the several commissaries to settle their accounts, 
and particularly the disbursements of commissary Filch, at New York, to Gen. 
Wooster's regiment, for the purpose of settling with the Continental Congress, 
for such sums as had been advanced by the State for their benefit. 

The Assembly having been informed that a number of persons in the western 
towns in the State, were inimical to the liberties of this and the United States, 
and were forming dangerous insurrections, and were taking all methods to com. 
municate intelligence to the enemy, and comforting and assisting them, and 
distressing and annoying the inhabitants of llie^said towns: — whereupon the 
Legislature appointed Abraham Davenport, Daniel Siierman, Thomas Fitch, 
Andrew Adains, and Josiah Bisscll, Esq'rs., forthwith to repair to said towns, 
and bring before them all suspected persons, and those dangerous to the rights 
and liberties of America, in that critical state of affairs. And on examination, 
such as should be found dangerous, to send them, under a proper guard, to such 
place in the colony as they should think best, there to remain for the safety of 
the colony, under the direction of the Governor and Council of Safety. And 
the Governor was desired to direct Gen. Wooster to render the committee all 
the aid required to execute said trust. And three of said committee were 
authorized to do the duly. 

Joseph Thomson, Jonathan Latlimer, Samuel Whiting, John Tyler, Thad- 
deus Cook, Increase Mosely, Sclah Hart, Comfort Sage, and Jonathan Hum. 
phrey, were appointed colonels of militia. 

Benjamin Fenn, Marshfield Parsons,5Abraham Gould, Oliver Smith, Jeremiah 
Mason, Samuel Canfield, John Chandler, Noadiah Hooker, John Penfield 
Epaphras Sheldon, and Seth Smith, were appointed lieutenant colonels in the 
militia. 

Edward Russell, Joseph Harris, Jr., Jonathan Dimon, Nathan Gallop, Joel 
Jones, Jelhro Hatch, Nehemiah Beardsley, Medad ^.Hills, Gad Stanly, Abiel 
Pease, Nathaniel Brown, and Amos Wilcox, were appointed majors in the 
rnilitia of this State. 

An order of £lOO was given in favor of Thomas Fitch, Josiah Bissell, and 
Andrew Adams, by the pay table, to enable them to execute the duties of their 
appointment, in the western towns. 

Lamberton Smith, and others, of New Haven, preferred a memorial to the 
Assembly, complaining of two gentlemen in that city as being inimical to the 
rights and liberties of the State, etc, and asked for their removal, &;c. A trial 
was had, and the offenders found guilty, and sentenced to be removed to the 
society of Eastbury, in the town of Glastenbury, there to remain in said society, 
under the civil authority and selectmen of the town, at their own cost, until fur- 
ther orders ; — with directions that they were not to receive, or send any letters, 
until they should have been perused by the civil authority, &c., &c. 



242 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 

George Philips, ensign oj^light infantry company of the 23d regiment of mi- 
litia, and others, complainflWliat N. Shailor, captain of said company, had been, 
in August, 1776, duly ordered by Matthew Talcott, colonel of said regiment, to 
muster his company and march them to the assistance of the army under Gen. 
Washington, then at New York; and that said? Shailor wilfully disobeyed said 
orders, &c. After his arrest and trial, said Assembly resolved, that said captain 
was cashiered of his office, and incapacitated in holding any offlce or place of 
trust under the State, &c. thereafter. 

It was recommended to all able bodied men in the State, who were not inclu- 
ded in any military company, to form themselves into military companies, choose 
their officers, Szc. The Assembly resolved, that if a sufficient number of such 
men united and formed a company, and made a return thereof to the Governor, 
that he should commission the officers of such company or companies. 

The Assembly recommended to the civil authority and selectmen of the seve- 
ral towns situated on the sea coast and sound, forthwith to set up a sufficient 
military watch and ward, and order sufficient sentries to be set in all proper pla- 
ces contiguous to the sea coast, to take special care of all water craft in said 
towns, and that Ihey be carefully inspected by said watch in the night season. 

It was represented to the Assembly, that Col. Ethan Allen, together with 
about eighteen other native citizens of Connecticut, had been taken prisoners in 
the service of the United States of America, by a party of armed forces of the 
King of Great Britain, near Montreal, in the province of Quebec, on the 25th 
day of September, 1775 ; that they had suffered great hardships during their cap- 
tivity, and that they were then confined in a suffering condition, incarcerated in 
a common gaol, in Halifax ; and that Levi Allen, of Salisbury, was about to 
attempt to visit his brother, and that a supply might be transmitted to said pri- 
soners, to whom wages were due ; the Legislature therefore requested the Gov- 
ernor to address a letter to Gen. Washington, to the Continental Congress, or 
the commander at Boston, or each of them, to earnestly request such seasonable 
and friendly interposition in their favor as might be thought necessary, and most 
likely to procure a speedy exchange of said prisoners. And tJie pay table were 
directed to draw an order in favor of Levi Allen, for the sum of £120, lawful 
money, to be paid by said Allen to said prisoners, towards their wages due from 
this government. 

Upon a memorial of the selectmen of New Haven, shewing sundry things 
were required for the defence of New Haven ; the Assembly directed that the 
three 12 pounders brought to said town, should remain there, at the expense of 
the State, and the charge of transporting the same should be paid out of the 
State treasury, and liable to be removed by the Governor, &c. And that the 
company under Capt. Thomson should remain where they were stationed, as a 
guard at Black Rock ; that the roofs of the barrack should be shingled and a 
chimney built ; that the militia of New Haven should hold themselves equipped, 
and in constant readiness"to defend the town, and not be liable to be removed. — 
And the Governor and Council of Safety were authorized to carry said directions 
into full effect, and make such further provision for the security of said town, 
and the rest of the sea coast, as they should think expedient. 

It was ordered, that ,£30 : 3, be paid to Thomas Bidwell, for the time he had 
lost in waiting for the commiitee to procure the twenty iron pots and receivers, ^ 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 243 

lo manufacture sulphur, under a contract with the State, which could not be 
procured by said committee. 

The inhabitants of Stratford shewed to the Assembly, their exposed situation 
to be assailed by the enemy, both foreign and domestic ; that their distance from 
Long Island was about twenty miles ; that a large point of land ]a.^ between said 
town and the sound, with a good shore for landing troops, and of easy access 
to the town ; that the fears of the inhabitants were greatly increased in their 
then alarming circumstances, &c. ; and prayed the Assembly to station a guard 
of twenty men in said town, for one month. The Legislature gave the inhabi- 
tants of Stratford liberty to raise, by voluntary enlistment, twenty able bodied 
men, exclusive of their officers, to be well armed and equipped, with a lieuten- 
ant, two sargeants, and two corporals ; and Lieut. Ebenezer Cos was directed 
immediately to enlist said soldiers for one month, to have their billet and pay, 
while in said service, and paid by the State. 

A memorial of the civil authority and selectmen of Norvvalk, stated to the 
Assembly, the exposed and dangerous situation of the town, and the necessity 
of having a body of militia stationed there, and the great difficulty of billeting 
troops there on account of the number of sick soldiers that had been sent to Nor- 
walk, Stamford, and Greenwich ; and pray that the militia of Norwalk might 
be stationed at Norwalk. The Legislature therefore directed that the Governor 
should direct Maj. Gen. Wooster to station a sufficient number of troops under 
his command, in the towns of Norwalk, Stamford, and Greenwich, where he 
should judge most needful for the safety of those towns. And that Gen. Woos- 
ter should so order that the respective militia of said towns should be stationed 
in said several towns where they belonged, so far as was convenient. 

Jabez West, of Norwich, a sutler in the army, was allowed for supplying the 
sick with sundry articles for their relief, £70 13: 6. 

The snm of £20, lawful money, was allowed EHphalet Beacher, of New Ha- 
ven, for money expended in hiring teams for the use of the army. 

James Wilson, of Boston, who was wounded in the service, was allowed £3, 
lawful money. 

The cargo of molasses, imported in the brig Nancy, as reported by N, Lathrop, 
&c., of the committee of inspection ; R. Lathrop, J. Perkins, and D. Wood- 
bridge, were appointed a committee to appraise, under oath, said cargo, and 
make a full inventory thereof, &;c. ; and deliver, with an invoice of what they 
deliver, said cargo to the commissaries of supplies for Connecticut troops, under 
the order of the Governor and Council of Safety, to be deposited with the Trea- 
surer of the colony, Szc, and the avails thereof lo be disposed of as before or- 
dered. 

Edward Hinman, Esq. of Woodbury, chairman of the committee of inspec- 
tion for said town, represented to the Assembly, that the Committee of Safety 
for the State of New York, on the 21st of October, 1776, had sent nine persons, 
as prisoners of war, eight of whom were sailors, and one child, who were taken 
at Staten Island during the summer of 1776, to the committee aforesaid ; that 
said prisoners from the time of their capture had been stationed at Pound Ridge, 
in Westchester county, N. Y., and that the Committee of Safety there were ap- 
prehensive that the place was not a secure one for the prisoners to reside longer, 
as the enemy were within a few miles of them ; and the committee in this State 
doubted whether said Committee of Safety were authorized, by the resolves of 



244 REVOLUTIONARY VVAB, 177G. 

the Continental Congress, to send said prisoners into tiiis State, and whether, if 
so, tlie committee here wellWrnpowered to provide for them ; but that said com- 
mittee, considering the extraordinary circumstances of the case, and the apparent 
necessity of the prisoners being removed from tl)at place ; the committee did 
receive them, and made provision for them, and appointed Col. I, INIosely to 
attend to their conduct until the committee should be instructed by the Assembly. 
The prisoners were destitute of clothing and needed full suits to protect them 
against the inclemency (of the then) approaching winter, (Petition dated 22d 
day of October, 1776.) The Assembly directed the Committee of Safety to keep, 
and afford comfortable support to said prisoners, until further orders should be 
received. The names of said prisoners, as certified by Increase Mosely, town 
clerk of Woodbury, were — James Willson, John Murray, SamUel Coppin, Jere- 
miah Rurdon, Henry Killigroce, Michael Couney, Csesar Freeman, William Pat- 
terson, and his daughter, Mary Ann Patterson. 

All petitions of a private or personal nature, were continued to the Assembly, 
to be holden in May, 1777. 

The Assembly adjourned on the 7th day of November, 1776. 



GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 

SPECIAL SESSION. 

At a General Assembly of the Governor and Company of the 
State of Connecticut, in New England, holden at Hartford, by 
special order of the Governor, on the 19th day of November, 1776. 

Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Governor. 

Nine Assistants present. 

The rapid and exorbitant rise upon the necessaries of life in that day of public 
calamity and distress, were chiefly occasioned by the monopolizers of pro- 
visions,[a class of men who preferred tlieir own private gain to the interest, com. 
fort, and safety of their country — to prevent which the Legislature passed an act 
governing the price of labor, for farming in the summer not exceeding 3 shil. 
lings per day, and in proportion at other seasons of the year. The labor of 
mechanics to be reduced in the same proportion. Wheat, not exceeding 6 
shillings per bushel ; rye, 3 sliillings and 6 pence; Indian corn, 3 .shillings ; 
good merchantable wool, not to exceed 2 shillings per pound; best kind of well 
dressed flax, 10 pence per pound ; pork, weighing from five to seven scores not 
more than 3 pence 1 farthing per pound, over that weight 3 and half pence per 
pound, up to ten scores, if over ten scores, 3 and three-fourths pence per pound ; 
grass-fed beef of the best quality, not to exceed 24 shillings per hundred, and in 
proportion according tu quality ; raw hides, not to exceed 3 ponce per pound ; 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177(5. 245 

salt, 10 sliiHings per bushel ; good West India rum, of merchantablo proof, 6 
shilling-s per gallon, by the hogshead; best muscovado sugar, 60 shillings per 
hundred by the hogshead ; molasses, 3 shillings by the hogshead, and so in pro- 
portion to be sold ; New England rum, of the beat quality, 3 shillings and 6 pence 
per gallon by the hogshead; bohea tea, 4 shillings and 6 ponce by the chest; 
cheese, 6 pence per pound ; fall butler, 10 pence per pound ; and all other 
articles not mentioned, were to bo in a reasonable proportion to the aforesaid 
reduction. It was further enacted, that if any person should contract or receive 
for labor, or vend, sell, or receive for any of the aforesaid articles more than at 
the rates aforesaid, or for others not enumerated in an unreasonable dispropor- 
tion thereto, should bo accounted oppressive and guilty of a breach of the act, 
and suffer the penalties of the laws of this State against oppression. 

The time for taking the oath of fidelity was by act suspended until the first 
Monday after the first Tuesday in April, 1777. 

The exportation of necessaries and other articles that were required in the 
State, in that time of scarcity and war, endangered the inhabitants of the 
State to great want, and was likely to prove prejudicial to flhe public. The 
Legislature therefore directed the Governor, with the advice of his Council 
of Safety, from time to time, as he should see cause, to issue his proclamation 
to prohibit the transportation, either by land or water, of any article that ho 
should think necessary and expedient to prohibit, for such time as he should 
limit in his proclamation ; provided that said embargo should not extend to 
necessary provisions for ships of war, or privateers, or merchant ships, that 
belonged to the State or the United States, lor their necessary stores ; and not 
to continue in force after the expiration of twenty days, next after the first day 
of the session, of the (then) next session of said Assembly. And that said 
embargo so laid should be eft'eetual. That upon publishing a proclamation for 
an embargo, all persons and masters of ships, &c., within this .Stale, should 
forthwith, land all embargoed articles that they should have on board their 
vessels, &c., or loaded on carts, pack horses, &c , or otherwise for transporta. 
tion, on penalty of five times the value of such embargoed article, (unless a bond 
was given.) And it was provided, that if any person should neglect, or refuse 
to conform to the act, that any assistant, or justice of the peace might, ex-officio, 
or by warrant, seize such embargoed articles, and hold them until he should 
conform to said act, and pay all costs occasioned by his refusal. And if any 
person should wilfully violate the act, by carrying or driving any embargoed 
articles out of the State, contrary to said proclamation, that he should forfeit 
double the value thereof; one-half to the prosecutor, and the other half to the 
public. Also repealed the former act, to enable the Governor to lay an embargo, 
and for rendering the same effectual. 

An additional act to prevent engrossing was passed, giving the commissaries 
in the diflferent parts of the State, appointed for collecting articles of clothing 
&c., for the army, special direction to give information against all persons they 
might find purchasing up, and engrossing such articles aforesaid, contrary to 
the true intent of the former act. 

And an act to prevent the monopolizing of salt, was passed, empowering the 

civil authority and selectmen of the several towns, npon application to them 

made, to cause a warrant to be issued, signed by proper authority, and directed 

to some officer, to cause the stores, &c., of any engrosser or monopolizer, within 

32 



246 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 



their rcspeclivo towns, to be^^ncd, seized, and distributed among the inliabit- 
ants who sliould need it, ;it me price of the article affixed by law ; and render 
such account to the owner or owners of said salt. 

Il was etiacted, that four battalions, properly officered, should bo forthwith 
raised, by voluntary enlistment, to supply and join the continental army (then) 
near New York, until the 15th day of March, 1777, unless they should be 
sopner discharged. And that each non-commissioned officer and soldier who 
should so enlist, should be entitled to the same wages and supplies as was estab- 
lished in the continental army ; and should also be entitled to a premium of 40 
shillings, if they should furnish themselves with clothing, arms, and accoutre- 
ments ; also a blanket and knapsack fit for said service. But if said officer 
should fail to provide himself with a good gun and bayonet, that the same should 
be supplied by the selectmen of the town to which he should belong, as provided 
in the act of June, 1777, with a deduction of 6 shillings from the premium. 
And that the act passed in October, 1777, adding 20 shillings per month to the 
wages of the non-commissioned officers and soldiers in the eight battalions, was 
repealed. It was also enacted, that all non-commissioned officers and soldiers 
who did not incline to enlist during the war, and should enlist for the term of 
three years, unless sooner discharged by Congress, should be entitled to ali such 
bounty and pay as were allowed to those who enlisted during the war, except 
the 100 acres of land which was to be granted to those only who enlisted with- 
out limitation of time. And each recruiting officer was required to provide two 
distinct enlisting rolls, one for sucli as should enlist during the war, the other 
for such as should enlist for three years, if not sooner discharged by Congress, 

The AsbCmbly appointed the following persons, to their respective offices in 
the four battalions ordered to be raised by the preceding act, for continental 
service, until the 15th day of March, 1777, — arranged as follows, viz. : 

FIRST BATTALION. 

This Assembly do appoint, Samuel Whiting, colonel; Samuel Canfield, 
lieutenant colonel; Stephen St. John, major. 

Sliubael Griswold, captain ; Jonathan Mason, 1st lieutenant ; Theodore Cat- 
lin, 2d lieutenant; Jesse Buel, ensign. 

Dan Towner, captain; Amos Northrop, 1st lieutenant ; Charles Smith, 2d 
lieutenant ; Hugh Cane, ensign. 

Amos Chapell, captain; Benjamin Brownson, 1st lieutenant; Morgan Noble, 
2d lieutenant ; Stephen Dodge, ensign. 

Eliphalot Thorp, captain ; George Burr, 1st lieutenant; Gamaliel Taylor, 2d 
lieutenant; Seth Bradley, ensign. 

Jesse Bell, captain ; Gershom Morehouse, 1st lieutenant ; Sylvanus Marshall, 
2d lieutenant; Isaac Howe, Jr., ensign. 

Daniel Hicock, captain ; Henry Fairman, 1st lieutenant ; William Oakloy, 
2d lieutenant ; Daniel Sanford, ensign. 

Samuel Comstock, captain ; Nathaniel Blackman, 1st lieutenant ; Eli Reed, 
2d lieutenant ; Uriah Raymond, ensign. 

David Hinman, captain ; David Bebee, 1st lieutenant ; John Givins, 2d lieu- 
tenant ; Enoch Parsons, ensign. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 247 

SECOND BATTALION. 

Thaddeus Cook, colonel ; Epaphras Sheldon, lieutenant colonel ; Edward 
Russell, majoi". 

John Walson, captain ; Samuel Mills, Isl lieutenant ; Russel Hunt, 2d lieu, 
tenant; Zachariah Watson, ensign. 

Asa Cray, captain ; Silas Ilolcomb, 1st lieutenant; Amasa Hitchcock, 2d 
lieutenant; Nathaniel Churchill, ensign. 

Augustus Collins, captain; Isaac Sherman Kimberly, 1st lieutenant; Dan 
Johnson, Jr., 2d lieutenant ; Thomas Powers, ensign. 

Benjamin Richards, captain; Isaac Brownson, Jr., 1st lieutenant ; William 
Law, 2d lieutenant; Benjamin Fenn, Jr., ensign. 

Samuel Osborn, captain ; Jared Robinson, 1st lieutenant ; Joseph Loveland, 
2d lieutenant; Edward Mulford, ensign. 

James Robinson, captain; Benjamin Hine, 1st lieutenant ; James Smith, 2d 
lieutenant; Charles Burritt, ensign. 

Asaph Hall, captain; Warham Gibbs, 1st lieutenant ; Jacob Hinsdale, 2d 
lieutenant ; Daniel Kingsbury, ensign. 

Elijah Smith, captain ; John Tredway, 1st lieutenant ; Joshua Brainard, 2d 
lieutenant ; Robert Bradford, ensign. 

THIRD BATTALION. 

Roger Enos, colonel ; Samuel Gale, lieutenant colonel ; Amos Wilcox, major. 

Roger Ryley, captain ; Elijah Blackman, 1st lieutenant ; Joseph Kellogg, 2d 
lieutenant; John Johnson, ensign. 

Edward Griswold, captain ; Samuel Jones, 1st lieutenant ; Alexander Kenny, 
2d lieutenant ; Nathaniel Root, ensign. 

Elijah Wright, captain ; Isaac Goodrich, 1st lieutenant ; Solomon Phelps, 2d 
lieutenant; Josiah Brown, ensign. 

Phinoas Lovcjoy, captain ; Samuel Felt, Jr., 1st lieutenant ; Abner Granger, 
2d;lieutenant ; John Russell, ensign. 

William Orcutt, Jr., captain ; Samuel Tudor, 1st lieutenant ; Joshua Wells, 
2d lieutenant ; Medad Hunt, ensign. 

Peter Curtiss, captain ; Daniel xMarsh, Jr., 1st lieutenant ; John McMurian, 
2d lieutenant; Abner Loornis, ensign. 

Josiah Hammond, captain; John Hough, 1st lieutenant; Amos Avery, 2d 
lieutenant ; Gamaliel Ripley, ensign. 

Amaziah Wright, captain ; Squire Hill, 1st lieutenant; Caleb Stanly, Jr., 2d 
lieutenant^; Ephraim Kingsbury, ensign. 

FOURTH BATTALION. 

John Ely, colonel ; Samuel McLallen, lieutenant colonel ; Benjamin Clark, 
major. 

Ephraim Carpenter, captain ; Ephraim Lyon, 1st lieutenant ; Thomas Bing- 
ham, 2d lieutenant ; Timothy Bibbins, ensign. 

Jonathan Calkins, captain; John Raymond, Jr., 1st lieutenant ; Robert Stan, 
ton, 2d lieutenant ; Benjamin Atwell, ensign. 

Jabez Wright, Jr., captain ; Nehemiah Smith, Jr., 1st lieutenant ; David 
Breed, 2d lieutenant ; Joseph Gale, ensign. 



248 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 

Ebenezer Ilolbrook, ca^^im ; Benjamin Crnry, Isl lioulonanl ; Mark Evans, 
2d lieutenant ; John VVillce, 3cl, ensign. 

Jeremiah Halsey, captain ; Sanford Billings, 1st lieutenant ; Andrew Frink, 
2d lieutenant ; Nathaniel Cheesborough, ensign. 

Abner Lord, captain ; Dan Piatt, 1st lieutenant ; Abnor Griffin, 2d lieuten- 
ant; Jonathan Lay, Jr., ensign. 

Oliver Grant, captain ; Isaac Geor, 1st lieutenant ; Joseph Hylyard, 2d lieu- 
tenant ; Job Sewyard, ensign. 

Payne Converse, Jr., captain; David Perry, 1st lieutenant ; Asa Lyon, 2d 
lieutenant ; Ebenezer Bingham, ensign. 

It was ordered, tliat the commissions of the aforesaid officers should bear date 
the 2d day of December, A. D. 1776. 

It was resolved, that if Gen. Washington, or tlio commander of the continen. 
tal army, near New York, siiould deem it necessary for the safety of the United 
States that the troops, or any pnrl of them, who belonged to this colony, should 
remain in service longer than their enlistment to complete the new army, or 
other extra emergency ; that in such case, the troops were by the Assembly 
earnestly requested, for the sake of their country, and all its inestimable rights, 
themselves, and all posterity, to comply with such requisition t'or so short a 
time as the general should request; for which continuance in service they were 
to be reasonably rewarded. The Governor was desired to write the general, and 
in the most pressing manner, to recommend to said troops to comply with tho 
request of the Assembly. 

Bonds, with surety, were ordered to be taken, by the pay table, of the cap- 
tains of tho several companies in the four battalions ; and to draw orders in 
their favor for the premiums ordered to the non-commissioned officers and sol- 
diers who should enlist. 

The Governor and Council of Safety were ordered to appoint the staif officer.s 
for the four regiments so raised as aforesaid, and fill all vacancies that might 
occur by refusal or otherwise, in the recess of the Assembly. 

The Governor and Council of Safety were authorized to supply any town in 
the State, on application, with such quantity of powder, imported into and 
belonging to the State, as they should judge proper. 

The soldiers in the continental service were suffering for the want of blank, 
ets; therefore the Assembly directed the selectmen of the several towns in the 
State, at the cost of the State, to procure in their respective towns such propor- 
tion of blankets, as should be one blanket to the sum of £500 in the general 
list of such town, in the year, 1775, and to be immediately sent to the army for 
the soldiers. And it was provided, that if a sufficient number could not be 
obtained in this manner, that a warrant should issue to supply the deficiency 
by impressment. And the Governor was desired to send said blankets to the 
army as fast as procured. 

The Assembly resolved to lay a farther embargo upon the exportation, by land 
or water, of all West India goods, viz : rum, sugar, and molasses, brought into 
this State, and also New England rum ; under the same regulations and excep- 
tions mentioned in the act laying the last embargo. And the Governor was re- 
quested to issue his proclamation therefor, subject to the order of the Governor 
and Council as to the time of its continuance. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 249 

The Legislature were informed, that some persons in the State, had large 
quantities of wheat and flour in their possession, which they refused to sell, and 
which was greatly needed for public use :— Whereupon, Capt, Jeremiah Wads- 
wortli was directed to seize any quantity of wheat or flour wanted for public 
service, from any person who had refused to sell the same, (excepting necessary 
stores for the use of their families ;) and when seized, to pay the owners six 
shillings per bushel for the wheat, and eighteen shillings per hundred for the 
flour, and take the same for the use of the army, at the request of the commis- 
sary general. Provided, that in case of a refusal to deliver the articles to said 
Wadsworth, he was empowered to take with him assistance, and break open 
any shop or store, for the purpose of seizing the property. 

To try the strength of such fire arms as should be purchased for the State,— 
it was provided, that before any gun was purchased, it should be loaded with 
four inches of powder, and two balls, properly wadded and rammed down, and 
discharged ; and afterwards twice loaded with a sulflcient charge of powder and 
ball, and fired at a target ; and if guns were found on trial, strong, certain, and 
direct, in such case they might be purchased for the State. 

Tlie Governor and Council of Safety were directed to appoint all the staflT 
ofiiccrs^f the eight regiments ordered raised in October, 1776. 

Capt. Ephraim Bill was empowered, by the Assembly, to purchase of the cargo 
of the prize ship John, for the State, fifty hogsheads of sugar, the whole of the 
rum of said cargo— two-thirds of said rum to be kept for the State ; and the 
sheriff" was directed not to make sale of the same ; and ordered that the late 
captain of said ship should be presented with so much*of the cargo as he could 
prove his own private adventure. 

Information was given the Legislature, that Lieut. Barker had been sent to 
New London to propose an exchange of prisoners in the marine department ; 
upon which information, Col. Erastus Wolcott and Capt. John Deshon were em- 
powered by the Assembly, to consider and determine on the expediency of enter- 
ing into any negotiation with said Barker on such exchange of prisoners ; but 
if they should judge best, to enquire after and obtain such marine prisoners as 
they should be able, and agree on time, place, and manner of exchange, and 
deal with said Barker as they might deem prudent and best. 

Thomas fielding, Esq. was appointed colonel ; John Chester, Esq., lieuten- 
ant colonel ; and Howell Woodbridge, Esq., major of the 6th regiment of 
militia. 

The inhabitants of Norwalk shewed to the Assembly, that they were situated 
upon the sea shore, and were greatly exposed to the depredations of the enemy, 
and that they needed cannon for their defence, Sic. The Assembly desired the 
Governor to order six cannon, (6 pounders,) with a sufficient quantity of powder 
and ball, for the defence of said town, to be delivered to the selectmen of Nor- 
walk, at such place as the Governor should direct ; conditioned that said town 
should mount said cannon on suitable carriages. 

Amos Mead, &c., of Greenwich, represented to the Assembly, that Green- 
wich was situated upon the sea shore, and that the inhabitants had no cannon to 
defend themselves against the attacks of the enemy ; and asked the Assembly to 
grant them six small cannon, ball, &c. It was resolved, that the selectmen of 
said town, upon application by them to Joshua Porter, of Salisbury, should have 
SIX small cannon ; and the said Porter was directed to deliver to the selectmen of 



250 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177(5. 

Greenwich, on their api^^tion, six 4 pounders, with a sufficient quantity of 
shot for said cannon, to T^n^ept at Greenwich, for the defence thereof ; and the 
Governor, with the advice of his Council of Safety, was authorized to deUver 
to tlie selectmen of said town a sufficient quantity of powder for said guns ; con- 
ditioned, that said town sliould mount said guns on proper carriages for use. 

Epaphras Sheldon, Esq. and Capt. John Strong, of Farinington, represented 
to the Assembly, that the prisoners of war in said town, could not be supported 
upon the continental allowance ; that the commissary .that had been recently ap- 
pointed by the Assembly, to take care of prisoners, had received no orders from 
Congress for the regulation of his conduct in the premises ; and that the com- 
mittee appointed by said Assembly looked upon their powers to act, incompetent 
to remedy the inconveniences. The committee of prisoners were directed to 
make such suitable provision for the support of all prisoners of war, that then 
were, or thereafter should be brought into this State, until said prisoners should 
be exchanged, or other provision made. And the committe were authorized to 
take all such measures with regard to said prisoners, as they should find 
requisite. 

Silas Phelps, of Lebanon, was allowed 3 shillings each, for fifty-five gun locks 
he had manufactured for the State, as a premium. 

The committee appointed to consider the expediency of adjourning the Assem- 
bly for a short time, in order to resume the consideration of the public affairs 
of the State — reported, by Jabez Hamlin, Esq., that the situation of the army, 
the great necessity of providing and forwarding, the raising of the new arrny, 
and of putting the milftia upon the best footing, and the probability of soon 
receiving further intelligence from Congress and the army, very interesting to this 
and the other States, would speedily require a further session ; and therefore 
that the same should be adjourned to the 3d Wednesday of December (then) 
next, to be convened at Middletown, It was adjourned accordingly. 



GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 

ADJOURNED SESSION. 

At a General Assembly of the Governor and Company of Con- 
necticut, holden at Middletown, by adjournment, on the 3d Wednes- 
day of December, A. D. 1776. 

Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Governor. 

Eight Assistants present. 

The Legislature, feeling that it was not only the interest, but the duty of all 
nations to defend their lives, liberties, and property, against the unlawful attacks 
and depredations of all enemies, by their militia ; at the same time felt that the 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 251 

laws then in force, regulating the militia, were not adquate for the purpose of 
the defence required ; they therefore enacted a law, that all the regiments of 
militia within the State, sitould be formed into six brigades, (and in said law, 
defined the lines of each of the six brigades.) It was enacted, there should be 
two major generals, to take the command of all the militia in the State, with pow- 
er to call all or part into service, by order of the Assembly, or the Captain Gene- 
ral and commander-in-chief, for the immediate service of this State, or the Uni- 
ted States, with one brigadier general for each brigade, &c. And it was enacted, 
that all male persons from 16 years of ago to 60 years, not included in the train 
band, and exempted from ordinary training, should constitute an alarm list, 
(except members of council, representatives, and delegates to Congress for the 
time being, the treasurer, secretary of state, ministers, president and officers of 
Yale College, negroes, Indians, and molattoes,) and should provide for and 
equip themselves with such arms as the law directed for the train band, and be 
under the command of the officers aforesaid on an alarm, &c., (provided in said 
act that all persons over 50 years of age sliould not be compelled to march out 
of this State, (or millers and ferrymen to march out of their towns, if the select- 
men should judge necessary to excuse them therefrom) — and be formed into 
companies for an alarm list. And it was made the duty of the captains of said 
companies to forthwith take an exact list of the names of such as were of the 
alarm list, and deliver them to the colonel of the regiment where located, and 
by the colonel, &c., formed into companies in their towns, to consist of 64 
privates, as near as might be ; and the companies choose their company officers, 
and be commissioned. 

It was provided, that if any of said companies should refuse to choose their 
commissioned officers, the field officers of said regiment should appoint them, 
and if the company should refuse to appoint the non-commissioned officers, the 
commissioned officers of the company should appoint them. And said .several 
companies of alarm lists, in case of alarm, or orders given by their superior 
officers to march for the defence of this or any of the United States were to be 
under the officers of the regiments of the militia in whose limits they resided, 
and to be liable to be detached or drafted, and to do the same duty on their 
march, or in service, and suffer the same penalties for not marching, &c., as 
militia companies were by law liable. And when in service to take rank before 
the other militia companies, with the privilege of substitutes in case of draft, to 
the acceptance of the captain, or paying £5 in money to be paid to the town 
treasurer where said soldier should belong, which should excuse him from 
service in such detachment. And if a soldier or officer, when detached, deserted 
or left without leave of his commander, he forfeited £15. The commanding 
officer of the 6th brigade should order the colonels of the militia in Westmore- 
land, to receive, and make returns to him. The selectmen to certify who were 
unable to equip themselves, &c., and equip such at the expense of the town — 
all fines belonged to the towns where the offender belonged. All captains of 
militia and other companies, in this act provided, to make returns once in two 
months to their colonels, of the state of their companies particularly, and the 
colonels to make like returns to the brigadier general, and each to his superior 
officer to the Captain General once in two months ; and if a colonel neglected 
or refused to make such return, ho forfeited £10 lawful money. It was pro- 
vided that said soldiers should bo numbered in a muster roll, and called forth by 



252 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 

the officers, and divided in^^our equal divisions, taking care that those of the 
same office, family, busi^^s, trade, or occupation, should bo divided and 
placed in different divisions. That the turn of duly should be settled by lot ; 
each drawing for himself, from number one to ti»e highest number in the com- 
pany, and be so placed upon the roll ; and all persons to be added at the end of 
said rolls as fast as they arrived to the age of 16 years. That in case of a draft 
on the militia, &c., the first on said rolls to be first drafted, and so on from 
time to time until all of said companies had been drafted, (except as before pro. 
vided) in case of draft w^hen sick or about to take the next draft. If a non- 
commissioned officer or soldier should refuse, when drafted to marcii, the select, 
men of his town should hire a substitute, and pay him out of the fines collected 
in the town. (Mode of trial of delinquents given, and collecting of fines.) 

An act was passed to prevent monopolies and oppression by excessive, unrea- 
sonable prices for many of the necessaries and conveniences of life, which was 
proving disastrous and ruinous to the country, and particularly in New England ; 
the passing of which law had been recommended to the Assembly by several of 
the New England States, to prevent the monopolizers in their depredations upon 
the rights of the people, fixing prices for labor at the difii'erent seasons of the 
year, making the per diem allowance for farmers, in the summer, at three shil- 
lings and four pence, and in proportion for other seasons of the year ; for the 
labor of mechanics to be reduced in like proportion ; and wheat at six shillings 
per bushel ; good rye, three shillings and six pence ; good corn, three shillings 
per bushel ; good wool, two shillings per pound ; seven score pork, three pence 
one farthing per pound — seven to ten, three pence halfpenny per pound — 
above ten score, three pence three farthings per pound ; best grass-fed beef, 
twenty-four shillings per hundred, and in proportion for stall-fed beef, and in 
proportion for an inferior quality of beef; raw liides, three pence per pound ; 
well-tanned sole leather, one shilling and five pence per pound ; good salt, ten 
shillings per bushel ; good West India rum, six shillings and eight pence per 
gallon per hogshead — seven shillings and eight pence for a single gallon, and two 
shillings per quart, and so in proportion, for less, allowing one penny per gallon 
for every ten miles the same should have been conveyed by land from the first 
port of delivery, for cost of transporting it ; — New England rum of the best 
quality, three shillings and ten pence per gallon by the hogshead— four shillings 
per gallon per the barrel, four shillings and six pence by the single gallon where 
first distilled, and in proportion for smaller quantities, saving one penny per 
gallon for transportation for every ten miles from the place distilled ; — musco- 
vado sugar, fifty-six shillings per hundred per hogshead, sixty shillings per single 
hundred, and eight pence per pound at the first port of delivery, and nine pence 
for every ten miles of transport for each hundred weight ; good molasses, three 
shillings and four pence per gallon by the hogshead, three shillings and eight 
pence per gallon by the barrel, and four shillings by the single gallon, with one 
penny added as aforesaid ; American cheese, six pence per pound ; butter, ten 
pence ; peas, eight shillings per bushel ; beans, not to exceed six shillings per 
bushel ; Irish potatoes in the fall of the year, one shilling and four pence per 
bushel, and two shillings in the spring ; men's good yarn stockings, six shillings 
per pair ; men's leather shoes, best common sort, eight shillings per pair, others 
according to value in proportion ; barrel pork of 220 pounds not over £4 : 4, per 
barrel ; raw cotton, three shillings per pound by the bag, and three shillings and 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 253 

eight pence by the single pound ; oats, two shillings ; well-dressed flax, ten pence 
per pound ; good coflee, one shilling and four pence per pound ; tried tallow, 
seven pence halfpenny per pound ; good tow cloth a yard wide, two shillings and 
and three pence per yard, and in that proportion for narrower ; coarse linen to be 
computed after the rate of tow cloth ; good yard wide striped flannels, three 
shillings and six pence per yard, and other flannels in proportion, and other 
woolen cloths in like proportion. And as imported goods that had been sold at 
wholesale at the exorbitant advance of five and six hundred per cent, over their 
prime cost, and retailed at forty and fifty per cent, in addition thereto, which op- 
erated oppressively upon the poor consumer ; — therefore, to correct the evil, it 
was enacted, that the price of European goods should not exceed the following 
prices, (viz.) woolen goods, coarse linen duck, ticklenburghs, and osnabergs, 
not sold higher by wholesale than in proportion of £275 sterling for what cost 
£100 sterling in Europe, and to be sold no higher if brought in a prize vessel, 
than £250 sterling for what cost £100 sterling, except warlike stores, the price of 
which was not limited to an advance, over twenty per cent, over wholesale prices, 
under a penalty for selling any of said articles at a higher price ; and for any 
article under the price of twenty shillings, a penalty of twenty shillings, and if 
over twenty shillings, a penalty equal to the price of the article sold, fcc. 

The act proposing an oath of fidelity was repealed. 

A law was enacted, that no person in a sea port town, should, under any pre- 
tence, depart from any port, harbor, bay, creek, river, or other place in the 
State, in any boat, skiff", canoe, Scc. without a written license from one of the 
selectmen of the town from which he should depart. And it was made the duty 
of the selectmen in said towns, to have all the small craft drawn up in some 
convenient place, and secure them as the circumstances should require ; — a 
breach of which law incurred a penalty not to exceed forty shillings. 

On account of the extreme hazard and difficulty in importing salt, it was 
found necessary that some encouragement should be given by the State, to in- 
duce its citizens to manufacture it within the State. The State therefore offered 
a bounty of two shillings upon each bushel of salt made of natural salt water, 
after the 1st day of January, 1777, and before the 1st day of January, 1779, in- 
stead of the one shilling bounty before offered, <fec. 

The great scarcity of bread stuffs in the State, induced the Assembly to pass 
an act, forbidding all persons in the State, distilling any spirituous liquors, from 
wheat, rye, or Indian corn, before the rising of the Assembly, in May, 1777, on 
penalty of forfeiting four-fold the value of such grain so distilled. 

The Treasurer of the State represented to the Assembly, that the public treas- 
ury was nearly exhausted, and that there were many pressing demands for large 
sums of money, and particularly to pay the additional premiums of £10 grant- 
ed to the soldiers who should enlist into either of the eight continental battalions, 
(then raising in the State :) — It was therefore enacted, that the State Treasurer 
was authorized forthwith to execute notes or bills, under his hand and office, to 
the amount of £G0,000, of £10 each, payable to bearer or possessor, at or be- 
fore three years, with interest at four per cent, per annumi, and with the date 
when issued, (which money or notes the Treasurer was directed to pay to the 
oflicers of the eight battalions, in lieu of bills of credit, either of the State or 
the continental emission, on proper orders made on him,) payable at or before 
the end of three years, with interest at four per cent., and to bear the dale of 
tin 



254 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 

the time of issuing, to be made of the same tenor, and in tlic same manner and 
form as ordered in an acK^r the same session, (with the exception of "having 
received said principal sum of A. B. for the use of said State.") Also is added 
a provision for punishing offenders for forging or altering said notes, &c. 

The commissioners of the (then) four New England States having taken into 
consideration the necessity and importance of speedily raising and completing 
their several quotas of the continental army ; they decided that a liberal encour- 
ugement should he given to such as sliould freely and immediately undertake in 
the service for the defence of the country against so grievous and continued 
oppression ; said commissioners therefore unanimously agreed and reported, that 
each non-commissioned officer and soldier should receive £IQ, in addition to the 
premium given by Congress, and one good blanket, or in lieu thereof, $3 annu. 
ally, and in camp supplied with all clothing and refreshments at first cost in the 
several Stales, without cost of transportation : — which report was accepted, and 
the Legislature ordered that all able bodied non-commissioned officers and 
soldiers, who had or should speedily enlist into either of the eight battalions 
ordered to be raised in October, 1776, during the war or for the term of three 
years from the time of their enlistment, unless sooner discharged, should receive 
said premium of iJlO, and the other encouragement before mentioned, over and 
above the amount given by Congress. Also license was given to such as had 
enlisted into either of the four regiments oidored raised in November, 1776, 
until the 15ih of March, 1777, that they might enlist into either of these eight 
battalions, with the same privileges, (deducting the 40 shillings bounty allowed 
for enlisting into said four battalions, and also deducting 6 pence per day for the 
time they should have been enlisted into either of said four battalions.) 

It was also enacted, to encourage the militia in aclual service for a less lime 
than two months, that the officers and soldiers should be paid the same wages 
and rations of those of equal rank in the continental army — and if called out 
for more than two and not exceeding four months, that the non-commissioned 
officers and soldiers should be paid a bounty of 20 shillings ; and if in service 
five and not exceeding six months, that the non-commissioned officers and 
soldiers should be paid a bounty of 40 shillings over and above the continental 
pay and rations. Provided they should in all cases enlist voluntarily, and if not, 
to receive only continental pay and rations. 

The raising and supplying the continental army with the quota assigned to 
Connecticut, required every exertion of its inhabitants, and not having funds 
from Congress in any measure adequate for the purpose of paying the bounties, 
&,c., for the troops. Congress found it necessary as an expedient to raise money, 
to establish a loan office in each State, to receive such moneys as should bo 
offered for a loan to the government. John Lawrence, Esq., (the then Treasurer 
of the State) was appointed coininissioner of said office, to receive all moneys 
offered for loan ; said Lawrence was ordered to immediately issue his proclama- 
tion to give notice to all persons who wished to loan money, to lodge the samo 
in said loan office, and receive said commissioner's receipt in behalf of the State 
for such money, and to promise and assure such persons so loaning said moneys, 
to produce to them such continental certificates or assurances as by them 
ordered ; olhervv ise that this State would stand liable and accountable to each 
person lor the respective sums lodged in said office, with the interest, as 
directed by the resolve of Congress, The said Lawrence was directed to pay 



^ 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177(5. 255 

and deliver such sum or sums of the money so lodged, according to the orders 
of the Assemb!}', or Governor and Council of Safety, from time to time given, 
for which it was provided that said Lawrence should be fully indemnified by tlio 
State. (The form of which security is given in said act.) 

It was resolved, that the wages of tlio militia officers and soldiers that had 
marched from time to time, for the relief of any place within the Stale, should 
while on their march or in actual service, be allowed at the same rate that the 
troops stationed upon the sea board had and were then receiving, by order of 
said Assembly. And that each should be allowed 1 shilling and 6 pence per 
day while mustering, or on their march to and from the place of their destina. 
lion, in lieu of all expense for their own support, excepting when they should 
receive public provisions. And the selectmen of the several towns, who had or 
should deliver public stores to such militia companies, or accoutrements, or 
quantities of powder or ball, should forthwith lodge the receipts therefor, or 
other evidence of it, with the pay table, which was either to bo returned or paid 
for out of the public treasury. 

The General Assembly were informed that the British were endeavoring to 
pass through the State of New Jersey to the city of Philadelphia, and that the 
inhabitants of Pennsylvania were highly animated and alarmed, and were col. 
lecting to join Gen. Washington, with a determined resolution to resist them ; 
that Gen. Lee was in the rear of the enemy, following them with a large body 
of men ; that a fair and hopeful prospect was presented of cutting olFand destroy, 
ing them between the two fires, in case Gen. Lee could be suddenly reinforced; 
and that there appeared to be a spirit rising in the United States to exert them, 
selves to stop at once and for ever the cruel ravages of their unnatural foes. 
The General Assembly were ardently desirous to cherish the spirit and zeal so 
boldly manifested, and did earnestly call upon, and invite any and all able 
bodied men in Connecticut, residing west of Connecticut river, cheerfully to 
go forward and offer themselves for the service of their country on so great an 
occasion, and that they should forthwith form themselves into companies, enrol 
their names, from forty-five to sixty men in each company, and immediately 
choose their officers for each company, and march towards Peekskill, with all 
possible expedition, and receive their commissions on the road, from some of the 
field officers, and carry with them as much provision as they conveniently 
could, and receive of their captains 20 shillings each to aid them on their march, 
and have the same generous pay and wages as had been givnn to others by the 
Assembly ; with a promise from said Assen)bly that they should be formed into 
battalions under the most generous, spirited, and humane field officers, and 
headed by a brigadier general of the same good spirit, who would lead them to 
the relief of their bleeding country ; assuring said troops that there was great 
hope that a speedy exertion would be crowned with a happy and glorious sue 
cess and result ; and that they should not be holden in service more than two 
months, unless their own zeal, ardor, and consideration of the state of the army 
and love of their country should incline them to continue longer. The Assem- 
bly engaged that sufficient provision should be made for them on their march, 
and generally sheltered in houses, in the Jerseys ; and prayed to the God of 
armies to inspire the good people with zeal and resolution on that most inter, 
esting and hopeful occasion. 



256 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1770. 

The Logislaturo rcsolve^^hat tlie field officers of the volunteers aforesaid, 
proposed to bo raised fo^Tnc relief of Gen. Washington's army, should be 
appointed from the officers chosen by said companies of volunteers ; and that a 
brigadier general sliould bo appointed, if a brigade should bo raised — and the 
following gentlemen were appointed a committee severally from different parts 
of the State, west of Connecticut river, to arouse and animate the peojile to 
rise and exert themselves with the greatest expedition, to cherish and propagate 
the spirit, zeal, and ardor for the country ; to set on foot with all expedition an 
enlistment in the various parts of the State ; and all friends of the country 
were earnestly exiiortcd to lend all their aid to said committee, to promote so 
great and good a design. The committee were directed to report in as short a 
time as possible, their progress and success. The committee were, Jesse Root, 
Joiin Canficld, Tapping Reeve, Lynd Lord, Hezekiah Sabin, .Tr., Mark Leaveii- 
worth, John Davenport, Thaddeus Burr, Daniel Everet, Jr., John Lewis, Oliver 
Ellsworth, Maj. Nathaniel Brown, Capt. David Landon, of Guilford, Capt. Nathan 
Hecox, Justus Buck, Eliakim Hall, Jr., Capt. Thomas Porter, Cyprian Collins, 
Col. Seth Smith, Capt. Dan Towner, Dudley Pettibone, and Ezra Starr. Col. 
Noadiah Hooker, Stephen Mix Mitchell, and Elijah Hubbard, Jr., Esq'rs., 
were appointed a special committee to forward the raising the aforesaid volun. 
leers to march to the assistance of tlie continental army as aforesaid. 

Jesse Root, Esq., was appointed and empowered to draw the 40 shillings for 
each non-commissioned officer and soldier, to be advanced to said volunteers, as 
before provided. 

The officers of said volunteer companies were directed to procure carriages 
for transporting the baggage of their respective companies ; and the Governor 
was desired to lake measures to supply said companies with provisions and hos- 
pital stores, also with tents and camp equipage. 

An act for establishing a loan office in this State, was passed, authorizing the 
Treasurer of the State, in the name of and on the credit of tiie State, and for 
the use of the State, to borrow of any person or persons, inhabitants of the 
State, a sum of money or bills of credit, emitted by order of the Continental 
Congress, or the Assembly of Connecticut, to the amount not exceeding 
XBO.OOO ; and to receive no sum less than ;CIO, and to execute his promissory 
notes therefor, payable at or before the end of three years from date, with annual 
interest, at 4 per cent. ; and it was made the duty of the holder of such notes to 
present them to the committee of pay table, to be registered, day, dale, &;c., and 
endorse or sign the same, as having been exhibited and registered, which cerli- 
ficate, entitled the bearer to the amount of said note or notes. It was ordered, 
that the amount of said notes registered should be annually exhibited to the 
auditors of public accounts, and entered to the debit of said Treasurer, and by 
him accounted for. That the form and tenor of such notes should be numbered, 
the place and date, the sum and person of whom received. And it was provided, 
that said notes should be written or printed in a book, properly bound, and cut 
from said book dent-wise, with the number of said note first made on the 
counter part or opposite indenture. It was provided also, that forging or coun. 
terfeiting said notes, &c., should be punished by the same pains, penalties, and 
forfeitures as was provided against forging, &c., bills of credit emitted by the 
Assembly. Also, the Treasurer was to pay out said money according to law, 
and the orders of tiie Assembly. As the object of the act was to raise money to 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 257 

pay the additional bounty to the Connecticnt quota of the continental troops, 
&c., and not to supply the treasury, only in case of necessity. The necessities 
of the State were such, that the Assembly directed the Treasurer not to open a 
loan office, or receive money, until further orders from the Assembly, or in the 
recess, from the Governor and Council of Safety ; who were carefully to enquire 
into and find the state of the treasury, and the demands on it, as well as the 
supplies which were and could seasonably be obtained to satisfy said demands. 
And in case the safety and necessities of the public could not, by any other 
means, be provided for, to give orciers to said Treasurer to open such loan 
office, and borrow' as spieedily as might be, tlic sum of £80,000, or such part 
thereof only as the exigences of the State should require, above what could be 
otherwise supplied in any of the ways aforesaid. 

The following were the officers appointed in the volunteer companies, under 
the last act for that purpose. 

Jesse Root, captain of a company of volunteers raised in Hartford, in pursu- 
ance of an act of the Assembly of December, 1776. 

William Bull, lieutenant, in a like company of volunteers. 

Barnabas Hinsdale, ensign, in a like company. 

Ambrose Sloper, (of Farmington) captain of a company ; Elihu Moss, (of 
Farmington) lieutenant; John Clark, (of Farmington) ensign. 

Nathaniel Goodwin, captain of a company raised in Litchfield ; Alexander 
Waugh, lieutenant ; Ozias Goodwin, ensign. 

John Allen, (of Farmington) captain of a company raised in Farmington; 
John Hart, (of Farmington) lieutenant; Samuel Williams, (of Farmington) 
ensign. 

Hezekiah Welles, captain of a company raised in Wcthersfield ; John Belden, 
lieutenant ; Chester Wells, ensign. 

JNoadiah Hooker, captain of a company raised in Farmington ; Ichabod Nor. 
ton, lieutenant ; John Porter, ensign. 

Hezekiah Sabin, Jr., captain of a company raised in New Haven ; James 
Hillhouse, lieutenant; Nathan Beers, Jr., ensign. ' 

Benjamin Trumbull, captain of a company raised in New Haven ; John Gil- 
bert, lieutenant ; Joel Bradley, 2d lieutenant ; Jared Hill, ensign. 

John Yeats, captain of a company raised in Stratford ; James Blackman, 
lieutenant ; John Judson, ensign. 

William Clark, captain of a company raised in Derby ; Edward Howd, lieu- 
tenant ; Jabez Fritchard, ensign. 

Samuel Eells, captain of a company raised in Branford ; Samuel Baldwin, 
1st lieutenant ; Jacob Bunnell, 2d lieutenant. 

Benjamin Brownson, captain of a company raised in New Miiford ; Shadrack 
Hubbell, lieutenant ; Benjamin Seely, ensign. 

Medad Hills, captain of a company raised in Goshen, Torrington, and Win- 
Chester; Timothy Stanley, lieutenant; John Dowd, ensign. 

William Boland, captain of a company raised in Sharon ; Hezekiah Frisbee, 
lieutenant; Azariah Griswold, ensign. 

David Bebee, captain of a company raised in Salisbury ; Roger Moore, lieu- 
tenant ; Nathan Dorcy, ensign. 

The several volunteer companies, raised for the releif of the continental 
array, under Gen. Washington, were made a distinct regiment, according to the 



258 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1770. 

tenor and form of their cnl^nent, and were ordered to bo under one colonel, 
one lieutenant colonel, an^mie major. And the Assembly appointed Noadiah 
Hooker, Esq., colonel ; Jesse Root, Esq., lieutenant colonel; and Medad Mills, 
Esq., major of said regiment of volunteers. 

Jeremiah Wadsworth, Esq., was appointed a commissary of supplies, to receive 
and deliver over for the use of the troops or militia, then or afterwards raised in 
the State, all such articles of clothing, refreshments, and other necessaries that 
should be purchased and delivered to him, by order of the Assembly, at such 
places as were ordered by a resolution of October, 1776, &c. Chauncey Whit- j 
tiesey, of Middletown, Col. Jonathan Fitch, Andrew Htintington, David Webb, j 
of Stamford, Doct. Joshua Elderkin, and Abel Hine, Esq'rs., were appointed to I 
procure and purchase for the use of the State, all such articles of refreshment \ 
and clothing within the State, as they should be directed by the Governor and 
his Council of Safety ; and to transport the same to the commissary of supplies, 
or his order, to such places as the Governor and Council should direct, for the 
best accommodation of said troops as they might happen to be situated ; to give 
bond, receive orders, and be accountable. And the Governor and Council of 
Safety were empowered, if absolutely necessary and expedient for the comfort of 
said troops, to appoint issuing commissaries to each regiment or battalion of said 
troops, and to enjoin upon them such rules and obligations, and give such orders 
and directions as they should think expedient, and consistent with the interest of 
the State, and best good of the service. The commissary of supplies to receive 
the same pay and rations as a captain in the continental service. 

A resolution passed the Assembly, that for the defence and protection of the 
sea coast in this State, there should be forthwith raised, by voluntary enlistment, 
to serve for one year after the 1st day of January, 1777, unless sooner discharged, 
the several companies and parties of troops and forces, to be kept and stationed 
as follows, viz : one company of 70 men, including 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, and 
1 ensign, 3 sargeants, 3 corporals, 1 drummer, and 1 fifer ; — one company of 50 
men, including one 1st lieutenant, one 2d lieutenant, and 1 lieutenant fire wor- 
ker, 2 sargeants, 2 corporals. The last company to act as artillerymen or ma- 
tross, as far as it should be necessary ; and in other cases to do other duties of 
a soldier, as should be required by their officers on the station. Both of which 
companies were stationed at New London. There was also ordered raised, two 
other companies, of the same number of men, and of the same denomination, 
and for the same purposes as the two companies aforesaid ; and stationed, and 
to do duty as aforesaid, at Groton. Also, one company of 30 men, including 
1 captain, 1 lieutenant, and 2 sargeants, stationed at the fort at Stonington. — 
One company of 50 men, including 1 first lieutenant, 1 second lieutenant, and 
1 lieutenant fire worker, 2 sargeants, 2 corporals, to do the duty of artillerymen, 
and other duty as should be required, and stationed at New Haven. It was also 
ordered, that the cannon at the battery at Black Rock, in said New Haven, 
should be removed into the town (of New Haven) and placed for the defence of 
the same. Also, that 15 men, under 1 ensign, and 1 sargeant, should be raised 
and stationed at Lyme, as ordered in 1775. Also, 20 men, raised and stationed 
at Saybrook, (to assist the inhabitants thereof, according to an act passed May, 
1776,) under a lieutenant, and 1 sargeant. Also, 20 men, raised as aforesaid, 
under the command of 1 lieutenant, and 1 sargeant, and stationed at Milford. 
Also, 15 men raised, under 1 ensign, and 1 sargeant, and stationed at Stratford, 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 259 

Also, 20 men raised, under 1 lieutenant, and 1 sargeant, and stationed at Fair- 
field. And that all the companies ordered raised and stationed at New London, 
Groton, and Stonington, should be under the command of a major, appointed 
for that purpose. And to encourage said enlistments, the following pay, wages, 
and allowances were offered by the Assembly, viz : a major, £10 ; captains, £8 ; 
lieutenants, £5:8; ensigns, £4 ; sargeants, £2 : 8 ; corporals, ^2 : 4 ; drummer 
and fifer, each £2 : 4 ; and privates £2, per callendar month. And as further en- 
couragement, that each non-commissioned officer and soldier, who should fur- 
nish himself with a good blanket, should have twelve shillings, and retain the 
blanket at the end of the service. And such non-commissioned officer and sol- 
dier who should provide himself a good gun, bayonet, cartouch box, and 
accoutrements, to the acceptance of his chief officer, should receive, as a pre- 
mium, ten shillings, and six pence per day for billeting money, from their en- 
listing until supplied by the public, and one months advance pay, on their enlist- 
ing. And the officers were directed carefully and diligently to attend to the du- 
ties of their offices and stations, for the best good, protection, and safety of the 
towns and places where posted, being liable to be removed or called on special 
emergencies for the relief of any place on the sea coast, in thjs State, attacked 
or in danger of attack, by order of the Assembly, or in their recess, of the Gov- 
ernor and Council of Safety. And it was provided, that the Governor and 
Council of Safety, in the recess of the Assembly, were authorized to make fur- 
ther regulations and provisions, as to them should appear expedient and neces- 
sary for the defence of any of the'sea coast aforesaid. And it was further pro- 
vided, that the militia of the towns of New Haven and New London should hold 
themselves equipped, and in constant readiness for the defence of their respec- 
tive towns, and liable to be removed and called out as the necessity of the case 
might require, for the defence of any other place, as the other militia by law 
were. 

Jabez Huntington, Esq., as chairman of a committee appointed to nominate 
and arrange the officers for the companies last aforesaid, reported, Jonathan 
Wells, Esq., of Hartford, a major, to command at New London, Groton, and 
Stonington. 

Adam Shapley, captain of the 1st company of musket men at New London; 
Ithamar Harvey, lieutenant ; Abner Wood, ensign. 

Oliver Coit, captain of the 2d company of musket men at Groton ; William 
Latham, lieutenant ; Samuel Smith, ensign. 

Nathan Palmer, captain of the 3d company of musket men stationed at Ston- 
ington ; John Belcher, lieutenant. 

William Ledyard, captain of the artillery company stationed at Groton ; Na- 
thaniel Coit, 1st lieutenant; Jonathan Leeds, 2d lieutenant ; Actias Sheffield, 
lieutenant fire worker. 

Nathaniel Saltonstall, captain of the artillery company stationed at New Lon- 
don ; Martin Kirtland, 1st lieutenant ; Daniel Starr, 2d lieutenant ; Daniel Dec, 
lieutenant fire worker. 

John Griswold, ensign, to command at Lyme. 

Lee Lay, lieutenant, to command at Saybrook. 

Joseph Thomson, captain ; Samuel Willmott, 1st lieutenant ; Phincas Bradley, 
Jr., 2d lieutenant ; Daniel Bishop, lieutenant fire worker. 

John Pruddcn, Jr., to command at Milford. 



260 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177(». 

Samuel Ufford, Jr., ensign^ to command at Stratford. 
George Burr, lieutenan^lw command at Fairfield. 

It being important that the forts at New London, Groton, and Stonington, 
should be immediately completed and garrisoned ; it was ordered, that an entire 
regiment, including two companies of rtiatross, sliould be forthwith raised by 
voluntary enlistment, officered and stationed at the aforesaid places, or such 
places in the State as the Governor and Council of Safety should direct, in case 
of emergency, for one year from the 1st day of February, 1777, unless sooner 
discharged, with the same wages, pay, and allowances, that the regiment sta- 
tioned at said places had received, viz. : colonel, ilI5 ; lieutenant colonel, iJ12 ; 
major, £10; captain, iCS ; lieutenant, iJ5:8; ensign, £4=; sargeant, £2 -.8; 
corporal, drummer, and fifer, each £2:4; privates, £2 per calendar month, 
with a premium of 20 shillings, and 22 shillings in addition for finding a good 
gun, accoutrements, blanket, and knapsack, to satisfy his captain, and in propor- 
tion for sucli as he should find, and the blanket to be his ; together with one 
months pay in advance ; and to be under the same rules, &c., as continental 
soldiers. The Governor and Council of Safety was directed to make proclama- 
tion for raising said troops, and appoint the officers for said regiment, and order 
said troops from time to time as they should think proper. Also to state the 
pay of said niatross companies as had not been slated in this bill. It was also 
resolved, that some troops that had been ordered to be raised and stationed at 
the aforesaid places, which were insufficient, that said order sliould be counter- 
manded and repealed, as to their being stationed at either of the places aforesaid. 
It was also ordered, that one regiment to consist of the same number of men 
as the continental regiments, should be forthwith raised in, and kept for the 
defence of the State, during the war, regulated and officered as should be deter- 
mined by the Assembly, It was farther ordered, that Col. Ely should be 
directed to march his regiment immediaiely to New London, and continue there 
until further orders. Also to raise and draft, without delay, one.fourth part of 
the militia, of the 3d, 8th, 12th, 20lh, and 21st regiments to be marched and 
stationed at or about New London, until the aforesaid regiment could be raised, 
or other measures devised, and not to be held in service more than two months. 
A large body of the British army, defended and aided by a strong fleet, had 
taken possession of the island of Rhode Island, and threatened the invasion of 
the adjoining States, in New England. It was therefore proposed that commit, 
tees from the New England States should meet at Providence, in Rhode Island, 
on the 23d day of December, 1776, to consult for their mutual and immediate 
defence and safely. And from the operations of the war in New York and New 
Jersey, a free communication with Congress was in some measure interrupted, 
and the general and the army of the United Stales were employed in their 
defence against the common enemy. Therefore Eliphalet Dyer, Richard Law, 
Nathaniel Wales, Jr., and Titus Hosiner, Esq'rs., were appointed a committee 
for Connecticut, to meet the committees of New England, at Providence, or at 
any other place at the time aforesaid, or s.s soon as might be, to consult of the 
expediency of raising and appointing an army for the more immediate defence 
of New England, against the threatened invasions, as well as for a more general 
defence in the common cause. To regulate the currency and support the credit 
of it, and prevent oppressing the soldiers and inhabitants by exorbitant prices, 
and in general of all measures to •expedite the raising an army necessary for 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 261 

common defence ; and report to the Assembly, or in the recess, to the Governor 
and Council of Safety, of tlieir doings ; whicli doings were also directed to bo 
laid before Congress, and ask their directions thereon. 

The sick and impotent soldiers of other Slates, when passing through Con. 
necticut often needed support and relief — the Assembly therefore provided that 
the selectmen of the several towns should afford necessary support to such 
infirm soldiers of other States as should pass through this State, who were in 
the service of the United States, and unable to provide for themselves ; and 
exhibit the account of such expense to the pay table, acknowledged by such 
soldier, under his hand, his state, regiment, and company, and the pay table to 
charge the same to the State where said soldier should belong. 

The several regiments of militia, who, in October, 1776, marched to Stam. 
ford, Greenwich, &c., and placed themselves under Maj. Gen. Wooster, and 
faithfully served in defence of the country, in a tedious and expensive season 
of the year, some of whom had sustained costs by sickness, and on their way 
home — were considered by the Assembly, by ordering the committee of pay 
table to adjust and allow all such accounts according to a resolve of the Assein. 
bly, in October, 1776, in favor of the militia and new levies; provided the non- 
commissioned ofEcers and soldiers, who marciied in obedience to said order, 
should produce his discharge, furlough, evidence of his sickness, &c. ; after 
which that he should be allowed 20 shillings lor his extraordinary expenses. 
And in case any soldier had died in the service, that said 20 shillings should be 
paid to his iieirs, over and above wages and mileage allowed by Congress; 
making it the duty of the commanders of the,-several regiments aforesaid, to 
return the names of all deserters in their respective regiments to the pay tabic. 
The Assembly resolved, that the stores of medicine, &c., then deposited in 
Stamford, in the care of Dr. P. Turner, should be removed, in whole or part, to 
Danbury, at the discretion of the doctor, both as to time and manner of removal ; 
and that £500 should be advanced from the public treasury to Dr. Turner, to be 
improved in his department, holding him accountable therefor. An order in his 
favor for £500, was directed accordingly. 

By a previous law of the Slate, the Treasurer was directed to receive conti- 
nenlal bills, instead of bills emitted by this Stcte, ordered to be paid by a tax 
laid for a sinking fund to meet said bills. It was found that said continental 
bills did not fully answer for a sinking fund on said tax. The Legislature 
resolved, that the Treasurer should issue and pay out said continental bills, 
received as aforesaid, in payment of orders duly drawn upon him by order of 
the Assembly. Also authorizing the Treasurer to issue his own promissory 
notes, at 4 per cent, interest, for the redemption of State bills, emitted in April, 
1775, as said bills should become redeemable, or to pay the gold and silver ho 
might have in his possession. 

The coinmitlees of the New England States recommended that Connecticut 
should furnish, and send as its quota of the army proposed for the defence of 
Providence against the British then in possession of Newport, the number of 
1,092 troops. The Governor and his Council of Safety were therefore empow- 
ered to send Col. Ely's battalion, and make up any deficiency so agreed to be 
sent as aforesaid, out of such troops as they should think best, and in the most 
speedy way to effect the same. 
34 



262 UKVOLUTIONAKY WAR, 177G. 

Eliphalot Dyer, Uicliarcyj^w, Nathaniel Wales, Jr., and Titus Ilosmer, 
Esq'rs., the comniitleo bofore^appointcd to meet other committees of the New 
England States at Providence, reported to the Assembly— which report was 
acceptctl, signed by said committee, and dated January 4lh, 1777. It was 
resolved, that the Governor should write to the Continental Congress, assigning 
the reasons and necessity of the meeting of the committee of the several States 
of New England, at Providence, with a copy of their proceedings. 

An embargo w;is laid on all privateers, and all other shipping, except conti- 
nental vessels, and armed vessels which belonged to the States, on permission 
being had from the Governor and Council of Safety to depart ; and provided 
that the Governor and Council of Safety might permit such vessels to sail, as 
they should judge nepessary to import such medicines and other necessaries, as 
thev might suppose were wanted. The embargo was resolved to be continued 
until the rising of the Assembly, in May, 1777, unless the Governor and Council 
of Safety should suspend the same sooner. 

Tiie article of tanned leather and shoes had become scarce, and greatly wanted 
in the State. The Assembly laid an embargo upon the exportation of tanned 
leather and shoes, by land or water, out of the State, until the rising of the 
Assembly, in May, 1777, under the pains and penalties in an act passed in 
November, 1776. And the Governor was desired to issue his proclamation, 
declaring said embargoes. 

It was resolved, that the field officers of the four battalions last ordered 
raised for the continental service, should immediately, and without delay, apply 
themselves to raising their respective battalions, and take special care that all 
the enlisting officers under them were encouraged and stimulated to proceed in 
said business. And that as soon as 20 men in a company were raised, to order 
them to march and rendezvous at Horse Neck, and be reported to the command, 
ing officer in that quarter. 

In Juno, 1776, the selectmen of the several towns were required to collect 
the lead in their towns, for the use of the State ; and many had neglected their 
duty : Therefore the Assembly ordered that the selectmen in the several towns 
should collect the lead in their towns, as ordered in said resolve, and cast the 
same into bullets, of suitable and various sizes, and render their account to tho 
pay table. And on refusal so to do, and render their account as aforesaid, by 
the 1st of March, 1777, to forfeit a penalty of £5, and 20 shillings every week 
after the 1st of March aforesaid, they sliould continue so to neglect their duty. 
And the said selectmen were required to apply to the Governor forthwith, for 
orders on the powder makers for such quantitv of powder as they required to 
supply their town stores according to law, for public use. 

Representation had been made to the Assembly, that the prisoners of this and 
other States, who had unfortunately fallen into the hands of the British in the 
(then) last campaign, had been treated with great severity, and had suffisred 
extreme hardships and distress, by hunger, cold, and nakedness, and many 
thereby reduced to sickness, and the sick crowded into heaps, neglected, and 
left to die for the want of medicine and care : The Assembly therefore apjjointod 
each member of said Assembly, a committee, on his return home, for the pur- 
pose of ascertaining the truth of said reports, to enquire of such honest and 
intelligent officers, and other persons in any of their towns, who might have 
returned from such place of imprisonmout, and carefully and cautiously 



REVOLUTIOiNARY WAR, 1776. 263 

examine them, as to the treatment of said prisoners, and their sufferings and 
death, &c. ; and to take it in writing and sworn lo, and transmit the same to 
the Governor as soon as possible, tliat such use might he made of it as would 
prevent llic like injustice and cruelly in future. It was resolved, that the com- 
mtttee and commissary, appointed to take care of and provide for prisoners 
taken from the enemy and sent into lliis State, were directed to stale a true 
account of tiieir number, manner of their treatment, how provided for, and sup. 
ported, as well as the conduct of such prisoners ; and certify the same on oath, 
and take the oath of any credible person, and transmit the same to the Gover. 
nor, as soon as might be. 

Capt. Eliakim Hall and Dr. Amos Mead, were appointed a committee to 
immediately repair to the posts where the troops of this State were stationed 
east of the Hudson river, or to the most important post, and exert all their 
influence with the officers and soldiers whose time had nearly expired for which 
they were engaged, to continue in the service, to defend said posts, until their 
places could be supplied by others ; and inform them of the measures pursued by 
said Assembly, by raising four battalions, and the progress therein ; and by 
encouraging other volunteers, and the great probability of their places being 
speedily filled. And set before them the dangerous consequences of leaving 
said posls exposed to the ravages of a watchful enemy, — assuring them that the 
Assembly would make them a reasonable allowance for such continuance ; and 
by all lawful means to excite and engage them not to quit the service of their 
country in so critical a moment, and have the important stores and magazines, 
prepared for future operations, exposed to be seized and plundered, and retard 
if not utterly defeat all future operations. And to call upon any of the officers 
of the four battalions, and charge them to hasten, in the name of the Assembly, 
to raiso their men, and forthwith march to their stations — and report their 
doings. 

The period for which the troops were raised in 1775, for garrisoning the fort 
at New London, having nearly expired, and the Assembly fearing the new pro- 
posed troops to be rsised for that post, might fail of being raised seasonably, so 
that the stores, forts, and towns of New London and Groton might be ravaged 
by the enemy : Resolved, that Col. Samuel Molt, Capt. William Ledyard, and 
Capt. Deshon should be a committee to repair forthwith to New London, and 
apply to Maj. Welles, and the other commanding officers in that department, to 
use their influence with the men then and there in service, to continue there 
until new forces could bo raised to supply their places. Also for said commit, 
tec to use ail their influence with the officers appointed to raise companies for 
that service, to raise them with as great despatch as possible, and to enquire as 
to the military stores, stored at New London, and if not secured, to remove 
them to some more secure place or places, and make report to the Governor as 
soon as possible. 

The regiment ordered lo be raised in May, 1775, under the command of Col. 
Andrew Ward, was originally designed to have been stationed at Boston, as it 
was apprehended their service would bo less difficult than those raised for the 
northern and New York departments, and therefore wore allowed a less pre- 
mium ; but as said regiment had been sent to New York, with the other troops, 
where they then were, and holden by their enlistment until May, 1777, destitute 
of comfortable clothing for the winter. At the request of the colonel of said 



264 RKVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 

regiment, the Assembly graaiaA all the non-commissioned ofTicers and soldiers 
of said regiment, who shoulaserve out tlioir time, or be honorably tiisoharged, 
should be paid a premium of 30 shillings, in addition to other wages, &c. And 
the Governor was desired to request Gen. Washington to furnish them with 
necessary clothing out of the continental store, as soon as might be ; and if he 
should not be able so to furnish them, that if consistent with the public safety, to 
permit said regiment to return to a post, east of Hudson river, as near as might 
be to this State, that they might the better be enabled to obtain necessary clothing 
from their friends. 

The selectmen of the town of New Haven represented to the Assembly, that 
flags of truce from the enemy were frequently passing in that harbor, for the 
purpose of exchanging prisoners ; also, that provisions and intelligence might be 
conveyed to Long Island by the tories, and especially in the defenceless situation 
of the harbor on account of the removal of the cannon from the fort. The As- 
.sembly directed Col. Thomson to replace three cannon, (the property of New 
Haven,) in the fort, and cause a sufficient number of men of his company to be 
stationed at said fort, to manage said cannon, as should be required ; and that 
no flag of truce, vessel or water craft of any kind, should be permitted, by the 
commander of said fort, to pass without an express license from some proper 
authority. It was ordered, that said company should be allowed at the rate of 
nine pence per day for billeting themselves, in lieu of rations and other provi- 
sions. 

John Avery, Jr., of Preston, was added to the committee appointed to procure 
fire arms in this State. 

Information M^as given to the Assembly, that there was five thousand one 
hundred and forty pounds of lead in the care of the committee appointed to im- 
prove the furnace at Middletown. The committee were directed to procure said 
lead to be cast into bullets, of suitable sizes, and properly stored, and return the 
weight thereof to the pay table by the 1st of March, 1777. And the committee 
of pay table were ordered to transmit an account of the quantity of bullets that 
should be returned to them, by the selectmen of the several towns in the State, 
as soon as might be, to the Governor, who with his Council of Safety was re- 
quested to make an equal distribution of such bullets to the several towns, accor- 
ding to their list^', and publish the same. 

Capt. Samuel Russell, of Middletown, was added to the committee, to procure 
lead for the use of the State, and work the lead mine in Middletown for that 
purpose. 

The article of cannon being of great i.mportance in the warlike preparations 
of offence or defence ; and particularly as many of our cannon had fallen into 
the hands of the British, in the last campaign, which rendered them scarce ; and 
as the State had been applied to by the Continental Congress, for a largo number 
to be sent to the northern forts, and for ships of war, and were also greatly 
needed for the more immediate defence of the Slate ; and the State being una- 
ble to procure them only at the foundry, at Salisbury ; which foundry was in 
danger of blowing out unless eff'ectual means were immediately taken to con- 
tinue the blast of said furnace ; therefore Benjamin Henshaw was sent forthwith 
to Salisbury, to apply to Col. Joshua Porter, manager of said foundry, and 
afibrd him all assistance in his power, in inquiring into the condition of said 
furnace, find what was necessary to be done, and in conjunction with said For- 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 265 

(or, to remove every difficulty in the way of continuing said furnace in blast; 
procure workmen, materials, implements of every kind needful for carrying on 
said business, and leave nothing practicable, unattempted, to promote the carry- 
ing on the casting of cannon of such sizes as should be directed — (and report 
make.) And it was further resolved, that Benjamin Henshaw, Hezekiah Fitch, 
and Lot Norton, Esq'rs. should have full power to take the wood on a certain \J 
fifty acre lot, in Salisbury, the property of James Wadsworth, Esq., to be cut, 
measured, and appraised, and to pay the owner the full sum of said appraisal ; 
and to furnish wood and coal at said furnace, and for said purpose to employ 
wood-cutters, colliers, teams, carters, &c., in said Salisbury, or any of the 
neighboring towns, and keep and render their account. 

The Legislature, during said session, found that a different committee, com- 
posed of said Porter, Henshaw, and William Whiting, would subserve the wishes 
of the State better ; ordered said last committee to prosecute the casting of 
cannon, at said foundry, and purchase rum, salt, &c., as they should think pro- 
fitable to execute said purpose ; and the profits of sale, to pay to the State ; also 
to purchase blankets for the use of the workmen ; and that the pay table should 
draw on the Treasurer for a sum sufficient for the purpose, and exhibit an ac- 
count of the avails of said foundry, while they improved it for their own use. 

It was found during the session of said Assembly, that difficulties existed in 
managing said foundry, by a committee ; and said Assembly placed the same 
under the charge and direction of the Governor and his Council of Safety, who 
were to take the same into their charge, care, and direction entirely. 

Representation was made to the Assembly, that the troops that marched under 
the command of Gen. Wooster, in 1775 ; also, that CoFs. Ward and Waterbury's 
regiments, who marched to New York, in the year 1776, were billeted upon the 
inhabitants of the towns of Norwalk, Stamford, and Greenwich, on their march 
to New York ; and that said inhabitants had applied to Samuel Squire, commis- 
sary, to pay for the same. The Assembly dii'ected said Squire to receive said 
accounts forthwith, and exhibit them to the committee of pay table for adjust- 
ment, and pay said bills. 

The Governor and Council of Safety were authorized and directed to employ 
couriers, and affix their stages, according to the recommendation of the commit- 
tee of the New England States, at their meeting in Providence, in December, 
1776. 

The committee of pay table were ordered to draw orders in favor of the com- 
manding officers of the several battalions, then about to march in defence of the 
country, for such sums as would enable them to pay each non-commissioned 
officer and soldier forty shillings, in addition to former advancements, to assist 
them on their march, and render their account. 

Information was given to the Legislature, that the keeping and confining pri- 
soners of war, in the gaol at Hartford, was attended with great difficulty, by 
reason of their intercourse with tories from without the gaol ; and several pri- 
soners had escaped, and great expense accrued to the State thereby. The As- 
sembly therefore ordered a guard to be enlisted, and engaged to keep guard at 
and about said prison, not to exceed fourteen men, under the command of an 
ensign and one sargeant ; the number to be at the discretion of the sheriff of 
Hartford county ; and it was directed that the committee of the pay table should 
be enlisted to keep guard about said prison for such time as they should judge 



266 REVOLUTiONARY WAR, 1770. 

necessary, and carefully at^^ said duty, and obey their commandant, on pen- 
ally of forfeiting their pay oto wages, and such other punishment as said Assem- 
bly should think reasonable ; said officers and soldiers of the guard to be ex- 
empted from other military duty, and allowed such pay and wages as said sheriff" 
and committee should agree to pay, approved of by the Governor and Council 
of Safety. 

It was resolved, that the Governor should draw on the Treasurer of this State, 
in favor of Lieut. Col. Elisha Sheldon, who was commandant of a regiment of 
cavalry, raised by Congress, for the sum of £10,000, money of the State, by 
request of Gen. Wasliington, by his letter, dated December 16, 1776. 

The proprietors of all powder mills in the State, were directed to give a bond 
of j62,000, lawful money, to account to the Governor and Company for all salt 
petre, (the property of the State,) which they should receive to manufacture for 
the State, hito gun powder. 

David Wooster was appointed major general over tlie whole militia of this 
State. 

Hon. .Tabcz Huntington was appointed second major general over the whole 
of the militia of this State. 

Erastus Wolcolt, Esq., was appointed brigadier general of the 1st brigade of 
militia. 

James VVadsworth, Esq., was appointed brigadier general of the 2d brigade of 
militia. 

Gurtlon Saltoiistall, Esq., was appointed brigadier general of the 3d brigade 
of militia. 

Gold Sclleck Silliman, Esq., was appointed brigadier general of the 4th 
brigade of militia. 

Hon. Eliphalet Dyer was appointed brigadier general of the 5th brigade of 
militia. 

Oliver Wolcott, Esq , was appointed brigadier general of the 6lh brigade of 
militia of this State. 

Jeremiah Mason and William Danielson were appointed colonels of the 
militia of this State, 

Samuel McLellan and Jeremiah Bacon were appointed lieutenant colonels of 
the militia of this State. 

Joseph Abbott, Thomas Bull, Jonathan Welles, and James Clark were 
appointed majors in the militia of this State. 

A tax of 14 pennies on the pound was laid on the general list of polls, &c., in 
October, 1775, to aid the treasury of the State. 

Samuel Abbott, a lieutenant colonel of the 20lh regiment of militia, and Jacob 
Perkins, captain of the 1st company in said regiment, and Samuel Wheat, captain 
of the 2d company in said regiment, did entirely refuse to obey the Governor, 
and his subsequent order — and of their colonel requiring them to muster and 
march their companies for the service and defence of the State. The Assembly 
ordered said officers arrested and brought before them for trial ; and information 
was given to the Assembly, that said Wheat and Perkins acknowledged their 
fault, and declared they were sorry for their imprudence and fault, and that they 
were ready to defend the country with their lives and fortunes ; and said 
Assembly forgave them, and revoked the order of arrest. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 267 

Eraslus Wolcott, colonel of a regiment stationed at New London and on the 
sea coast, in 177C), asked for an allowance paid said regiment, (for soldiers 
enlisted after the 2d of July, 1776) ; and the Assembly directed the pay table to 
allow 20 shillings premium to each man not in the matross companies, who 
enlisted as aforesaid, in said regiment, with full wages who did not supply their 
own arms. 

Ezra Hawley and others, of Stratford, represented to the Assembly, that they 
were greatly exposed to the depredations of the British troops, &c. ; and asked 
them to station a guard of twenty.five men at Newfield harbor. The Assembly 
ordered said guard of twenty-five men under the command of one lieutenant and 
two sargeants, and with an order on the foundry at Salisbury, for two cannon 
(4 pounders) mounted on carriages, with sufficient powder and shot ; and Aaron 
Ilawley was appointed a lieutenant to command said party. 

John Richardson, of Lebanon, a soldier under Capt. Clark, in Col. Sage's 
regiment, was taken sick in New York when in service ; and was returned as a 
deserter, and deprived of his wages. On proof offered, the Assembly ordered 
the pay table to receive his account, and adjust the same, and allow what should 
bo found due thereon, with his reasonable expense of sickness and marching 
mone)', and cliarge to the continental account. 

Benjamin Oelding and Abraham Gillet, soldiers under Capt. Abraham Pttti- 
bone in S. Strong's rejjimeiit in tlio army, at New York, returned home, being 
sick, with the permission of the captain only, without a discharge; and asked 
said Assembly for wages ; and the pay table was directed to adjust said accounts 
for each of them until they returned home. 

John McKay, of Norwalk, on the 25lh day of June, 1776, was adjudged guilty 
of being inimical to the United States of America, and sentenced to be confined 
in the common gaol in Litchfield, for one year, and was so committed. Ho 
stated that he was induced to commit the deeds alleged against him by the arts 
of others, and that he had become sensible of his folly, and was then a friend 
to the liberties of the States. The Assembly ordered that he should be removed 
from gaol to the town of East Haddam, and there remain under the inspection 
and direction of the selectmen of said town. 

Timothy Checney was released from his company in New York, to return 
home, to make seives for sifting gun powder : Therefore the Assembly directed 
the pay table to adjust his account, and allow his wages as they should find duo 
him, and charge the same to the continental account. 

Jacob Ely, of Lyme, was (by absence in sickness) returned as a deserter ; but 
the Assembly ordered the pay table to adjust and pay his wages, said Ely 
accounting for his arms. 

Moses Hyde and Daniel Hyde, of Lebanon, on the 17lh day of August, 1776, 
marched to New York under Waiter Hyde, as captain, who died on the 12th 
day of September, at Greenwich, whose wages and marching money were 
allowed. 

Upon information given by Samuel Chapman, colonel of the 22d regiment of 
militia, that after said regiment marched to relieve the continental army, ia <- 
August, 1776, Paul Blogget, a captain of a company in said regiment, pre- /' ''^ 
senled a forged discharge for himself, with the name of Gen. Wads worth signed 
to it, by which he attempted to cross HarliEm river in a clandestine manner, 
with a view, to desert the army ; ^)y which he was considered unworthy of any 



268 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

furllier command in saic^*pginicnt. The AssembI}' ordered said Bloggct 
arrested, and brought licfore the next Assembly for trial. 

The Legislature directed the Treasurer of State, to pay Maj. Ebenezer Hackus 
;ei,800 to pay tlie troops of liglit horse who marched under him, in September, 
1776, to the relief of Gon. Washington's army in New York, and to such as 
again marched under him to Rhode Island, in December, by order of the Gover- 
nor and Council of Safety on the appearance of the enemy's fleet and army, 
(which afterwards invaded said Island.) 

Stephen Ward, Jr., of Middletown, who marched with the militia to New 
York, in August, 1776, and while there in service was badly wounded by a 
flash of lightning striking the house in which he was ; and was at the extra 
expense for doctoring of £12 :9 . 1 ; which sum was ordered to be paid him. 

The Assembly was adjourned in the usual form to the second Thursday of 
May, A. D. 1777. 



GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 

MAY SESSION. 

At a General Assembly of the State of Connecticut, hoklen at Hart- 
ford, on the second Thursday of May, (8th day of May,) and 
continued until the 7th day of June, 1777. 

His Excellency* Jonathan Trumbull, Governor. 
Ten Assistants present. 

An act for prescribing and enjoining an oath of fidelity to this Slate, was 
passed. 

An act was passed to prevent traitorous conspiracies against this or any of the 
States. It was found there were many persons inimical to Connecticut and the 
other United States, who travelled the country to spy out the state of the colo- 
nies, form traitorous conspiracies against the State, and give intelligence tiiereof 
to the British, to the great danger and prejudice of the inhabitants of said Stale : 
the Legislature therefore provided that no person, in any character or capacity 
whatsoever, except persons well known to be friendly to the State ; military 
officers on their march to or from the army, or in defence of the United States ; 
soldiers in company and under the command of such officers, should be allowed 
to travel or pass from town to town, without a written permit, signed by an 
assistant or justice of the peace, general or field officers, selectmen, or committee 
of inspection, certifying where the bearer belonged, the place to which he was 

* The style and title of His Excellency was first enacted in May, 1^11. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 269 

to travel, and tliat he was reputed to be friendly to tlie Stales. And assistants 
and justices were directed to seize every suspected person travelling in the 
State ; and all general and field officers, and all other military officers of the 
army or militia, of every rank and order within'the State, and every selectman, 
committee of inspection, constable, and grand juror were directed to examine 
every suspected person who wasj[found travelling in the State. And if said 
person did not produce a proper permit, ho was liable to be arrested, with or 
without warrant, and brought before tho next assistant or justice of peace for 
trial. And all persons were enjoined to aid said persons in apprehending said 
suspected persons, on penalty, &c., and if said suspected person should not 
satisfy such authority that he was friendly to the Slate, &c., said authority was 
authorized to bind him or her to his or her good behaviour, or to commit him 
or her to gaol, there to remain until delivered by due order of law. 

It was enacted, that the major generals, or either of them, within this Stale, 
should be authorized, wilh or without orders from the Governor, if occasion 
should require, upon any alarm or invasion, or notice of the appearance of an 
enemy, by sea og land, to assemble, and put in martial posture the whole or part 
of the brigade of militia, of any denomination wilhin the Slate, which he 
should think needful ; and order and conduct them to relieve any of the inhab- 
itants of the United States, forts, towns, or places attacked by, or in danger of 
an enemy, as well out of, as in the State, as the case should require, for tho 
safety of the government ; and send intelligence to the Captain General, and 
attend such orders as he or they should receive from him. The same power 
was given to brigadier generals in llieir brigades, and proceed in like manner on 
like occasions, &c. 

An act in addition to and alteration of an act of the State, entitled " an act 
to prevent monopolies and oppression by excessive and unreasonable prices for 
many of the necessaries and conveniencies of life," was passed. 

The Assembly, in October, 1776, passed an act establishing the currency of 
the bills of credit emitted by the United Stales, and by the Assembly of tliis 
State, and made such bills a legal tender, which bills, with the silver and gold 
had furnished a sufiicient medium of trade. And the Assembly finding that 
the circulation of bills, issued by other States, had a tendency to depreciate the 
continental bills, therefore passed an act, that from and after the 1st day of 
August, 1777, no person in this Slate should receive any paper bills in payment 
for any article of commerce or debt whatever, except bills emitted by this Slate 
or the United States, on penalty of a sum not exceeding £50, and not less than 
40 shillings. 

The act passed in December, 1776, against distilling liquors from grain, was 
continued in force until the rising of the Assembly, in October, 1777. 

[The articles and regulations to preserve order and discipline in the militia of 
the State, when called into actual service, being thirty.six articles, arc omitted 
in this work.] 

In Congress, April 25th, 1777, it was recommended to tlie several States, 
forthwith to order the sums advanced by them for recruiting the continental 
battalions raised by the States, with the names of the officers who received it, 
to be transmitted to the pay masters of such battalion.s, and they required to 
call such uffiuers to account therefor ; who should produce coilificates from the 
35 



270 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

muster mnstor, or deputy n^^r master general, specifying tlie number of non- 
comniissioned officers and soldiers ; also of officers of the liglit horse, the num- 
ber of horses and arms and equipage, that belonged to their respective regiments, 
companies, or troops ; togcliier with such otlier vouchers as should be necessary 
to prove the sums expended for said articles of tho troops, before they joined the 
army ; the loss of money by death or desertion, of non-commissioned officers and 
soldiers before muster, or other necessary expenses. And further, that they 
should order the regimental pay masters to report to them the settlement of said 
accounts, with the vouciiers to be produced when confirmed by tho States, to 
the treasury board on adjustment of their accounts. And if any of said pay 
masters should neglect to obey such directions, to order their names sent to the 
commander-in-chief of the department, who should remove such pay masters 
from office, and fill his or their places, &c. &c. And in calling all sucii officers 
to account, and compelling other officers to obey orders in facilitating the 
closing said accounts, on penalties as provided by said act. Also that all general 
officers, pay masters, and deputy pay masters generals were also directed to 
transmit to the treasury office, duplicate accounts of all moneys advanced by 
theia for recruiting continental battalions ; that all regimental pay masters 
should be directed to apply to the respective commissioners for accounts of the 
sums advanced to their officers ; that all commissioners of claims or accounts, 
sliould be empowered to administer oaths or affirmations, to persons examined 
by them in the execution of their office ; which resolutions of Congress, were 
ordered by the Assembly to be carefully and punctually complied with, in this 
State, under such penalties as were provided in said law. 

A law was enacted for raising and completing tho quota of the continental 
army, to be raised in Connecticut ; in which it was provided, that any two men 
of this State, and not belonging to the continental ar.my, who should procure 
one able bodied soldier to enlist into either of the continental battalions (then) 
to be raised in the State, for the term of three years, or during the war, sliould 
be exempt from actual service, and from all drafts during said soldier's enlist, 
ment ; such soldier being accounted as part of the quota of the town where ho 
belonged, until such town's quota sliould be completed ; but afterwards to bo 
accounted as part of the quota of the town where those resided who hired him. 
And it was farther provided, that if said battalions should not be completed by 
the 26lh of May, 1777, that the captains, or commanding officers of the militia, 
alarm lists, and independent companies, who had not furnished their proportion 
of soldiers for said battalions, should convene their companies on said day, and 
detach to serve in one of the most (lonveiiient companies in said battalions, until 
the Isl of January, 1778, unless they should be sooner discharged. And if any 
so detached, should neglect or refuse to go into said service, said officers were 
to continue to detach successively from the class to which the person so refusing 
belonged, until they should either detach one from such class who would enter 
said service, or until every man in said class had been detached; and all who so 
refused to serve, were made liable to the penalties that persons drafted, and 
neglecting to march, were made liable by law ; excepting in such draft, such as 
had been detached by virtue of the proclamation of the Governor. And it was 
farther provided, that if by such drafting, the officers should not be able to pro. 
cure one man from each of said classes to enter the service, that the officers of 
said respective companies, should immediately proceed to detach from their 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 271 

rcspectivfi companies, to serve in said battalions until the 1st day of January, 
1778, such a number of able bodied men, as were proportioned to the number of 
classes belonging to said companies, that had not provided their men ; and 
certify tlie names of the persons so drafted, to the next commissioned officer of 
any of said battalions; virho was authorized to take and cause him or them to 
join and serve in said battalions, until the 1st day of January aforesaid, unless 
sooner discharged, (and his penalties incurred under said proclamation or this 
law to be remitted.) And in case the persons drafted in either of the ways 
aforesaid, should voluntarily engage in either of said battalions for said term, 
they should at the expiration of said time, be paid a premium of £3, or in pro- 
portion for the time they should so serve. Provided, nevertheless, that no 
person in actual service, on the 15th of May, 1777, or who belonged to any 
class, who should have furnished a man for said service, or had contributed a 
part thereto, should be subjected to such draft. And it was farther provided, 
that if any person drafted as aforesaid, or had a substitute, should enlist into 
any of said battalions for three years, or during the war, that the fines collected 
by virtue of said proclamation and this act, within the town to which he or they 
should belong, should be distributed to such persons equally, provided that not 
more than .£20 should be so distributed to one man. And' further, that every 
man so drafted as aforesaid, who should thereupon enlist into any of the conti- 
iienlal battalions (then) raising, for three years, or during the war, and accepted 
in said service, should be entitled to the continental and State premiums, 
clothing, wages, and allowances. 

A tax of 12 pence on the pound, on the general list of polls and rateable 
estate of the inhabitants of this State, was laid on list of October, 1776. And 
the Treasurer was ordered to borrow or issue his notes, on interest, for such 
sums as there was immediate occasion for, not exceeding ;G72,000 in all, pay. 
able at said Treasurer's office, in continental bills or bills of this State, at or 
before the end of one year from date, with interest at 6 per cent, until paid, or 
until public notice sliould be given by said Treasurer, after one year, that he 
was ready to pay the same ; none of which notes were to be issued for a less 
sum than ^30. 

The Legislature, for the more effectual defence of the State on the sea coast 
and frontiers, to prevent incursions and depredations of the enemy, ordered 
forthwith raised, by voluntary enlistment, two battalions to consist of 728 men 
in each battalion, including officers ; in which battalions were computed the 
troops before ordered raised and stationed on the sea coast. A«d that said two 
battalions should be continued in service until the 1st day of January, 1778, 
unless sooner discharged by said Assembly, or by the Governor and Council. 
A premium was offered to such as should enlist in said battalions by the 15lh of 
July, 1777, of £G lawful money, if they provided themselves with good arms, 
blankets, accoutrements, and knapsacks ; with the same wages and allowances 
for subsistence as was allowed by Congress to the continental army. Provided 
that if said battalions should not be filled and completed by the said 15th day of 
July aforesaid, that the Governor and his Council of Safety, should be empow. 
ered to discharge so many of tho commissioned officers as were supernumary, 
in proportion to the number of privates, according to a rule then established by 
Congress. Also that such discharged officers should draw their wages until 
{discharged. 



272 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. ■*" 

By reason of tho great, scamty of sail, the inhabitants of tlie State wore in 
much distress, and were iiic^^to bo reduced to greater want, if some effectual 
measures were not immediately resorted to for relief: Therefore the Governor 
and Council of Safety were desired to take the matter into consideration, and 
concert some proper plan for manufacturing salt, and carry the same into 
execution, and also for importing salt into tlio State. 

AH militia officers of the State, wiio held commissions of an earlier date than 
tho Declaration of Independence, were directed to deliver such commissions to 
tho colonel or chief commanding officer of the regiment to which said officers 
belonged, and receive other commissions under authority of the State. And the 
Governor was requested to issue new commissions. 

The Assemhiy ordered a company of rangers of 90 men, including officers, 
immediately raised by voiiintary enlistment, within tlie State, for liie defence of 
this and the United States; to bo continued in service until the 1st day of 
January, 1778 ; and offered to each non-commissioned officer and soldier a 
bounty of £3 lawful money, provided tlicy sliould furnish themselves with 
clothes, arms, accoutrements, one blanket, and knapsack, with tiie same pay, 
wages, and allowances as were allowed by Congress to the continental troops ; 
and said company were made subject to the rules and directions of the Governor, 
or any other of ihoir superior officers. Syivanus Mead was appointed captain; 
Sylvanus Marsiiall, 1st lieutenant ; Jehiel Mead, 2d lieutenant; and Jesso 
Hait, ensign, to command said company of rangers. Tiieir commissions to bear 
date the 9th day of May, 1777. 

A letter from Gen. Silliman was forwarded to the Governor, which repre. 
sentcd that a Mr. Wood, a surgeon's mate, who belonged to the enemy, had 
been sent to Fairfield vvitli a design to procure leave, to attend tlie eneiny'.s 
sick and wounded, at Danbnry, and proposing in the name of a Mr. Loring, 
commissary of prisoners of war, an exchange of prisoners ; tho Legislature 
referred the whole matter to tho discretion of tlie Governor and Council of 
Safety. 

Gen. Erastus Wolcott, Capt. Ephraim Pease, Capt. Dudley Wriglit, Doct. 
John Dickinson, Mr. Asahel Holcomb, Capt. John Phelps, Gen. James Wads- 
worth, Mr. Joseph Hopkins, Col. Jonathan Fitch, Col. Samuel Abbott, Mr. 
Hezekiah Lane, Capt. Robert Fairchild, Mr. Thaddeus Burr, Mr. Ebenezer 
Hyde, Jr., Capt Jabez Huntington, Mr. Nathan Frink, Capt. Elisha Child, Col. 
Ebenezer Norton, Maj. Elijah Abell, Mr. Thomas Mumford, and Mr. Miles 
Beach, were appointed a committee to procure fire arms and gun locks, with the 
same powers given to a previous committee appointed for a like purpose. And 
Elihu Clark, Maj. Nathan Brown, Samuel Smith, Lemuel Stoughton, Isaac 
Doolittle, Joseph Hopkins, Samuel Noyes, John Raymond, Daniel Judson, Ja- 
bez Huntington, Elnathan Walker, Edmond Beach, and Capt. Matthew Gillett, 
were severally appointed inspectors to examine and approve all fire arms and gun 
locks that should be manufactured in the State. No arms were to be received or 
paid for, or premium allowed, until due proof had been made of their inspection, 
by some of said committee that said guns, &c. were good, well-wrought, strong, 
and substantially made. 

The non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the brigade of militia that had 
marched to Peekskill, under the command of Brig. Gen. E Wolcott, were allow- 
ed a premium of 20 shillings each. And the commissioned officers in said bri- 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777- 273 

gade, that were found supernumerary, under a resolve of Congress, and dis- 
missed, were ordered to be paid their wages, and the Continental Congress 
charged therewith ; and a suitable person appointed, at the expense of the Slate, 
to apply to General Washington for the pay of said brigade. 

A letter from Gen. Washington, dated 7th of April, 1777, to the Governor, 
declining to pay the 10th regiment of Connnecticut militia, on account of the 
great disproportion of officers to soldiers, &c. ; the Assembly therefore desired 
the Governor to write a letter to Gen Washington, and state the peculiar cir, 
cumstances of that regiment, and request payment of the General for the officers 
of the regiment, according to the ranks in which they stood by their military 
commissions. 

It was represented to the Assembly, that several gun smiths, who had been 
employed by the State, to manufacture fire arms, had grossly imposed upon and 
defrauded the State, by making poor, deficient arms, totally unfit for service, and 
productive of fatal mischief to the public : Whereupon the Assembly appointed 
Col. Samuel Talcott, Col. John Chester, and Maj. Roger Newbury, a commit- 
tee to inquire into such high handed frauds and misdemeanor, and upon reasona- 
ble suspicion, by information or otherwise, to call before them any or every such 
gunsmith, who had been employed by the State, to hear witnesses, &c., and to 
take every proper method to discover the frauds, fee. ; and report the same to the 
General Assembly. 

It was directed by the Assembly, that the officers and soldiers of Connecticut, 
who were engaged in the continental army, in the year 1776, were entitled to the 
same provisions and allowances for their losses, expenses, &c., and in the same 
manner and regulations as had been allowed, in all respects, to the officers and 
soldiers of the new levies and militia ; and the pay table were directed to receive 
and adjust their accounts, and draw orders accordingly. 

The Assembly took into consideration the resolve of the Continental Congress, 
of the 26th day of August, 1776 : Whereupon the Assembly resolved, that the 
committee of pay table were appointed, and fully authorized, to receive and ex- 
amine the evidence produced by such persons, if inhabitants of this State, or 
others who had or should serve in any of the battalions raised in Connecticut for 
continental service, and who were, at the time of receiving their wounds, serv- 
ing in any of said battalions, and should claim a pension, by said resolve of Con- 
gress, and grant the same to all such as should make proof, as therein provided. 
And the committee of pay table were directed to preserve the evidence, in all 
cases, where such support should be allowed, either in part or whole, of his half 
pay, and register the same. The support allowed to such wounded and disabled 
person, and report quarterly to the secretary of Congress, or board of war, as 
provided in said resolve. And it was provided that all commissioned officers, 
non-commissioned officers of the army or navy, private soldiers, marines and 
seamen, raised in Connecticut, and not of the continental army or navy, who 
had or should be wounded in any action, and so as to be disenabled from getting 
a livelihood, upon producing certificates, as provided in said resolve of Congress, 
to the committee of pay table, examined and found true by them, should be en- 
titled to the same pension as was provided by said resolve ; and to be contin- 
ued during his said disability or for life. And the pay table were directed to 
register the same, with the name of the person claiming said pension, his place 
of residence, of the company and battalion, or ship of war or armed vessel, to 



274 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

which he belonged at llic tua^of receiving his wound, willi tlie place where and 
time wlien lie received tlie same, and what support had been adjudged to liim, as 
provided in said resolve of Congress. 

It was found necessary, and recommended by Congress, that a commissary of 
prisoners of war should bo appointed in each State : Wherefore the Assembly 
appointed Ezekiel Williams, Esq. a commissary of prisoners in this State, in the 
place of Epaphras Bull, who was then serving as a captain in the continental 
army, who was to take charge and care of all such prisoners of war as were 
within the State, or should be thereafter within tlie same. And said commissary 
was enjoined to observe all such rules and orders as should, from time to time, 
be made by the Assembly, the Governor and Committee of Safety, or Congress, 
regarding such prisoners ; and make monthly returns of the condition of said 
prisoners, to the board of war, appointed by Congress, 

The Governor was desired by the Assembly, to take his own measures to 
purchase fen- the use of the State, a quantity of lead imported in a prize ship, 
taken and brought in at the eastward, by the brig Fanny, Capt. Whittlesey, 
commander. 

The Assembly ordered 1000 copies of the Articles of War to be printed, and 
to be printed in all the gazettes in the State ; and one copy to be delivered to 
each officer in service in the State, and read before each company by the captains 
of said companies ; and one copy to each field officer in the militia in this State. 

The Governor and Council of Safety were desired to devise some equitable 
rule to distribute such salt as should be imported, at the expense of the State, 
amongst the inhabitants' of the several towns, in proportion to the number of 
inhabitants in each town. 

The per diem allowance for each of tlie Council, was fixed, by the Assembly, 
at 12 shillings, they bearing their own expenses. 

General Washington, in his letter of the 23d day of April, 1777, to Brig. Gen. 
Parsons, (which was laid before the Assembly,) recommended that attention 
should be paid by Connecticut to the case of the prisoners from New York, and 
the legal representatives of those who died during their captivity. Upon which, 
the Assembly directed that the pay table should receive and adjust the accounts, 
and give orders for the payment of such wages as were due to any prisoners of 
this State, or their legal representatives, from the time of capture until released, 
and a reasonable time to return, or until their death ; and to each account affix 
the affidavit of such prisoner ; also time and place of capture, when released, to 
what regiment and company he belonged, and had received no pay from the 
United States for the time he was in captivity. And a like certificate where a 
prisoner died in captivity, to the best information of the legal representative who 
should apply. A duplicate of which settlement and account was directed to be 
made, and the original transmitted to Gen. Washington, to procure a reimburse- 
ment of the same. 

The Governor was requested by the Assembly, to write, and send by an 
express, to the members of Congress of this State, then at Congress, and request 
them to procure all such evidence as might be collected, of Col. Dewer, or any 
other quarter, respecting any secret plots and conspiracies that existed in this 
State, against this or any of the States, either by receiving protection from Lord 
or Gen. Howe, or any other person aiding or assisting in the distribution of such 
protections in any other way, or any plot or conspiracy whatever ; and transmit 



REVOLUTIOxNARY WAR, 1777. 275 

to the Assembly or Governor and Council, a particular account thereof, by said 
express, as soon as might be. 

It was represented by Gen. SilUman, to the Assembly, that a flag of truce had 
lately arrived at Norwalk, by permission from Admiral Howe, commander of the 
fleet of the enemy off" New York, under protection of which, Daniel Ketcham 
and Andrew Bennett, two inhabitants of, and owing allegiance to this State and 
the Unitefl States, who had previously deserted, and gone over to and taken part 
with the enemy against their country ; had come to said Norwalk, in order to 
convey from said town and Fairfield the families and effects of Benjamin Jarvis, 
Samuel Hitchcock, James Ketcham, and Nathaniel Williams, who had also 
deserted and gone over to the enemy. Gen. Silliman having before signified to 
the enemy, that they ought to desist sending persons who were deserters to any 
part of this State under the protection of a flag ; and said Silliman asked direc- 
tions of said Assembly as to his duty towards said deserters then in his custody. 
The Assembly, on consideration of the uncertainty whether Gen. Silliman's 
letter, disapproving the enemy's sending a flag by deserters of their country, and 
aiding the army of the British, was before the flag WEfs-sent; the general was 
therefore directed to permit said Daniel and others, to return in said flag. But 
said Assembly judged it inconsistent with the honor of the law and the rules and 
customs of contending powers, as well as unsafe to permit such deserters to pass 
and repass under the protection of flags of truce ; and therefore direjjted Gen, 
Silliman to publish, by the return of said flag, or in the most effectual way, that 
thereafter that no deserters should be permitted to come into Connecticut, under 
color of the protection of a flag of truce, on the pains of being detained, and 
dealt with according to the laws of this State. Also that the females of the 
persons applied for, should not be permitted to go to their friends within the 
enemy's lines, unless an equal number, who had been captured by the enemy, 
of our inhabitants, not under arms, and carried off", should be exchanged ; and 
that even in such case, that no property, except necessary clothing, should be 
taken with them ; and that no male person, able to bear arms, should be per- 
mitted to go ; and Gen. Silliman was directed to proceed accordingly. The 
Assembly resolved, that the aforesaid instance of suff'ering said deserters to 
return, should not be considered as a rule of conduct in like cases in future, 
least the enemy should be encouraged to make their inhuman incursions into the 
country, captivate, and carry away families and persons jiot under arms, contrary 
to the custom and usage of civilized nations. 

The Legislature had directed the committee of pay table to draw on the Trea- 
surer for wages due the oflicers, &c. who were prisoners at New York, and paid 
in hard money. It was resolved, that the Tresaurer, to procure the sum of j£400 
hard money, should give his note, with lawful interest, for the purpose aforesaid. 
An act to exempt non-commissioned officers and soldiers, of the continental 
army, from imprisonment for debt, originally due by contract, and a release 
from imprisonment of all such as were then in prison for debt ; making such 
officers and soldiers, liable for the payment of such debts after their release 
from the army. 

Representation had been made to the Assembly, that many atrocious acts of 
robbery and theft had lately been committed, in the western part of the State, 
by some of its own inhabitants, and that those who had been the sufferers were 
greatly distressed. The Assembly directed the attorneys for the State, in the 



276 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

counties vvliere such dcpre(k|ipns had been coinniitled, forthwith to exert tliem- 
selves with the utmost attention and vigilance, to enquire after and prosecute 
all such breakers of law, and said offenders brought to condign punishment, 
and all the people of the State protected in their rights, liberties, and privileges. 
And the judges of the county and superior courts were directed to hold special 
courts forthwith, for the purpose of carrying said resolve into full effect. 

The Assembly appointed the Hon. Matthew Griswold, William Pitkin, Roger 
Sherman, Abraham Davenport, William Williams, Titus Hosmer, Benjamin 
Payne, Gen. James Wadsworth, Benjamin Huntington, William Hillhouse, 
Thaddeus Burr, Nathaniel Wales, Jr., Daniel Sherman, and Andrew Adams, a 
Council or Conimiltee of Safety, to aid the Governor in the recess of the 
Assembly, with full power to direct the militia and navy of the State, and the 
marches and stations of such troops as had been, or should be enlisted for the 
defence of any of the Stales ; to give orders for supplying the militia, troops, and 
navy as far as needful; directing the Governor to convene all his said Council 
on all important occasions ; but where great despatch was required on smaller 
matters, a smaller number were authorized to do the business ; but at no time 
less than five to form a quorum to do business. 

The Assembly directed the Governor to issue a proclamation, assuring 
pardon of all treason relative to joining the enemy, to all such inhabitants who 
had absconded, as should, on or before the 1st day of August, 1777, appear in 
this Stale, before an assistant or justice of peace, and take a proper oath of 
allegiance to be true to the State, and declare that they discard all connexions 
with the enemy, and will obey the laws of the State; that each inhabitant so 
returning and confirming should be freed from prosecution, and protected in 
his rights and liberties. 

The Assembly appointed Roger Enos, Escj., colonel of one of the battalions 
ordered raised for the defence of this State, until the 1st day of January, 1778. 

Peter Curtiss, Abel Peltibone, Elijah Robinson, and James Smith, captains in 
said battalions. 

Thomas Stevens, Jonathan Roberts, Eliphalet Chamberlin, Edward Payne, 
and Nathaniel West, 1st lieutenants in said battalions. 

Samuel Smith, Ephraim Taylor, Abner Granger, Noah Dickinson, and 
Nathaniel Churchill, to be 2d lieutenants in said battalions. 

Benjamin Holcomb, Joshua Gates, Jr., Samuel Akins, and John Franciss, to 
be ensigns in said battalions to be raised as aforesaid. 

James Arnold, was appointed lieutenant colonel of one of said battalions. 

Nathaniel Bunnell and Augustus Collins, to be captains; Abner Bradley, 1st 
lieutenant ; Amaziah Baldwin and Jabez Pritcliard, 2d lieutenants ; Levi Gay. 
lord and David Scranton, ensigns in said battalions. 

Seth Smith, Esq., lieutenant colonel in said battalions ; Edward Rogers, 
Abraham Bradley, and Reuben Bostwick, captains ; Noah Judson and Roger 
Moore, 1st lieulenanls ; Ebenezer Miller and Stephen Dodge, 2d lieutenants ; 
David Rusco, Ezekiel Lewis, and Israel Williams, ensigns. 

John Ely, Esq., colonel of one of said battalions ; Nathan Palmer and Josiah 
Baldwin, captains ; John Shipman and Solomon Story, 1st lieutenants; Richard 
Chapman and Joseph Chapman, 2d lieutenants ; Clement Miner and John 
Griswold, ensigns. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 277 

Major Elias Buell, to be nmjor ; James Dana, of Mansfield, and John Kuys, 
of Ashford, and Ebenezer Mosely, of Windham, captains ; Ebenczer West, of 
Lebanon, Josiali Cleveland, of Canterbury, and Asa Lyon, of Woodstock, 1st 
lieutenants ; Joseph Hale, of Coventry, Joshua Bottom, of Plainfield, and Lem. 
ucl Grosvenor, of Pomfret, 2d lieutenants ; Benjamin Converse, of Kiiliiigly, 
Jolin Wylee, of Voluntown, and Jabez Clark, of Lebanon, ensigns. 

John Davenport, Jr., nit^jor in said battalions ; Jesse Bell and Stephen Thorp, 
captains; Caleb Church and Solomon Booth, 1st lieutenants; Ezra Benedict 
and Bille Trowbridge, 2d lieutenants; Job Smith, Jr., and Maftin Warner, to 
be ensigns, in said two battalions to be raised in Connecticut, 

Hon. Jabez Huntington was appointed one of the Council of Safety for the 
(then) ensuing year. 

Lieut. Col. Selah Hart, of Farmington, preferred his petition to the Assembly 
for himself, and about thirty.eight other continental officers, who had been 
taken by the enemy, and confined as prisoners of war, on Long Island ; in 
whicti it was show* to said Assembly that said officers and their fimilies, were 
reduced to great distress, by means of said officers being held in captivity, many 
of them from the 15th of September, 1776, until May, 1777, and had received 
no wages or allowance frons the United States, and had expended all their 
money, and were in debt and destitute of subsistence ; that they could procure 
no hard money, and that paper money would not pay their debts, &c. ; and 
asked relief of the Assembly, as by a list of said officers' names lodged on file. 
The Legislature ordered the committee of pay table to adjust said officers' , 
accounts, and allow them the same wages, during their captivity, as h;id been 
allowed officers of their rank in the continental army, when captured, and pay 
the same to said Hart for their use, or such part of it as should appear necessary 
for their relief, if their wages had not been before paid them. And was also 
directed to make payment, or a part thereof, in hard money, and for that pur. 
pose to draw on tlie Slate Treasurer for the same, or bills of credit, to exchange 
for hard money, and charge the same to the LTnited States. 

The Assembly offered a bounty of 1 shilling, to be paid out of the State 
treasury, for each pound of salt petre manufactured in the State. 

John Chenevard and James Church, were appointed to bo of the committee of 
pay table. 

The committee of pay table were empowered to appoint one or two clerks in 
their office. 

The Assembly ordered, that thereafter, the militia of the State, (officers and 
soldiers) in actual service, should receive the same pay, rations, &c., as was or 
should be allowed by Congress to the continental troops of like rank ; provided 
said militia should not be allowed pay for more than a reasonable time, after 
orders to march, before they should march, (not exceeding four days.) 

Wait Goodrich, Dr. Eneas Munson, Constant Southworth, and Col. Joshua 
Porter, were appointed inspectors of gun powder, made in the State, and,j;ein. 
specters of salt petre at the powder mills in this State. y. 

The committee to procure fire arms for the State, were ordered to accouii^ 
with the pay table ; deliver said pay table the number of arms purchased, where 
lodged, and how disposed of; which said pay table was directed to lay before tho 
Assembly, that a just distribution of the arms might be made to the towns. 
3G 



278 REVOLUTIONARY AVAR, 1777. 

Fifly men in the foiindry^BFalisbnry, were exempted from drafts for filling 
tlie army or actual service in the militia, while employed in said foundry. 

On report of the committee, appointed to investigate the subject matter of 
the memorial of Nathaniel Jones, Simon Tuttle, Joel Tuttle, and others, of 
Farmington, who were imprisoned on suspicion of their being inimical to 
America; the Legislature ordered said prisoners liberated, upon their taking 
the oath of fidelity to the State, and paying the cost, taxed at i;22 : 7 : 10; and 
the keeper of the gaol, in Hartford, was, on said condition being performed, to 
liberate said prisoners. 

The Assembly received information that frequent incursions had been made 
by the British into Greenwich, and towns adjacent, and had taken caltlo from 
the inhabitants: Therefore the Assembly requested the Governor to direct Gen. 
Parsons, to order 400 of the continental troops, raised in Connecticut, to be 
detained in Greenwich, and parts adjacent, for the defence of said inhabitants. 

Several complaints had been made to the Assembly, that a number of military 
companies and officers in this State, had conducted impropof ly ; wherefore the 
Assembly appointed Col. Nathaniel Terry, Col. Isaac Lee, and Col. John 
Chester, a committee, to enquire as to those complained of in the county of 
Hartford, and make report to said Assembly, Col. Joshua Porter, Edward 
Rogers, and John Watson were a committee to enquire, in the county of Litch. 
field. Col. Nehemiah Beardslee, Col. Thomas Fitch, and Maj. Elijah Abell, to 
enquire in the county of Fairfield, and make report as aforesaid. 

The Hon. Jabez Huntington was appointed first major general, over all the 
militia in the State, to fill the vacancy of Maj. Gen. Woostcr, deceased. 

Brig. Gen. James Wadsworth was appointed second major general, instead of 
Maj. Gen. Huntington, advanced. 

John Tyler was appointed brigadier general of the 3d brigade of militia. 

Andrew Ward, Jr., was appointed brigadier general of 2d brigade of militia 

John Douglas was appointed brigadier general of the 5th brigade of militia, in 
the place of Gen. Dyer, resigned. 

Jonathan Johnson, of Middletown, stated that he, as a captain in Col. Brad. 
ley's regiment, while stationed at fort Lee, the morning before said fort was 
attacked, had left in his custody £3Q, owned by the State, to pay the bounty 
and advanced pay to soldiers; which money was lefi with his baggage, under 
two soldiers who were taken prisoners, and soon died; and that the £36 were 
lost. The Legislature ordered said sum to be passed to the credit of said John, 
son, on the books of the pay table. 

David Osborn, of New Haven, shewed to the Assembly, that on the 8th day 
of April, 1777, John Wise, of New Haven, by warrant, impressed his mare, for 
J.M.Green, an express, on business from Gen. Washington to Providence; 
and that said Green never returned the mare by post, nor delivered her to Gen. 
Spencer as he agreed. The Assembly directed the pay table to examine the 
claim, and allow said Wise what they should find just and reasonable. 

The selectmen of the town of Danbury informed the Assembly, that the 
British troops had made a hostile invasion into said town, and that under a 
pretence of destroying public stores, consumed with fire about twenty dwelling 
houses, with many stores, barns, and other buildings ; and that the enemy on 
their retreat, collected and drove off all the live stock, viz, : cattle, horses, and 
sheep which they could find ; and that the destruction of said property had 



REVOLUTIOiNARY WAR, 1777. 279 

reduced many of the wealthy inhabitants to poverty; tlierefore applied to the 
Assembly to appoint a committee to enquire into and estimate the losses of each 
person in said Danbury, and report the same ; and aid such as could not subsist 
without immediate relief, as per petition, dated May 8, 1777. The Assembly 
therefore appointed Daniel Sherman, Colonel Nehemiah Hcardslee, Increase 
Mosely, and Lemuel Sanford, or any three of them, a committee to estimate the 
lasses of each person occasioned by the incursion of the British troops into said 
town, and report to said Assembly, so that the actual loss by the ravages of a 
merciless enemy should be perfectly known. Tho pay table wore directed to 
draw an order on the Treasurer for the sum of £500 in favor of the selectmen 
of said Danbu/y, to relieve tiio immediate distresses of such persons who were 
sufferers in Danbury, as aforesaid, who could not subsist without such relief, 

Hannah Barker, of Lebanon, shewed the Assembly, that on the alarm which 
occurred in September, 1774, in relation to an attack by the British troops on 
the town of Boston, that a large number of the militia from Colchester and 
East Haddam, on their way to the relief of the Bostonians, called upon her for 
supplies, which sho furnished them, refreshments of the value of £4 : G : 4 
which they did not pay for. The Assembly directed tho payment of said 
sum, on account of the need of said Barker ; and directed that the case siiould 
not be a precedent thereafter. 

Lieut. Col. Stephen Moulton, who was taken a prisoner in September, 1776, 
on his retreat from New York, and held as a prisoner until January, 1777 ; that 
during his imprisonment, he was necessitated to borrow hard money of Major 
Welles, who continued a prisoner in New York, and required the hard money 
of said Moulton. The Legislature ordered £15, in hard money, to be paid said 
petitioner, in part of his wages, by the Treasurer's giving his iiolefor said sum. 

Samuel Abbott, of Lebanon, on tho 13lh day of May, 1775, enlisted a soldier 
in Capt. James Clark's company, in Gen. Putnam's regiment, for a term not 
exceeding seven months ; and soon marched to the camp in Cambridge, in 
Massachusetts, and joined said Regiment, and did duty as a soldier, until the 1st 
day of December, 1775 ; he then left the camp without leave, and returned 
home, and by so conducting had forfeited his billeting, marching money, and 
wages then due. The Assembly found that said Abbott fully believed, when ho 
left the camp, that the time of his enlistment had expired; therefore ordered 
full payment of his wages, &.c. 

Joseph, Thomas, Rutherford, and Daniel Trowbridge, and William Sherman, 
of New Haven, shewed they had made 500 bushels of good salt, and asked for 
the premium thereon ; and the Assembly ordered them paid from the treasury, 
£100 lawful money. 

Aaron Ives, of Wallingford, stated that at the alarm in Danbury, he voluu- 
leered and went to Compo, and was in the engagement at Compo hill, where 
he was wounded in his leg, by which misfortune when he was helped from 
the battle field, his horse was missing, with his saddle, bridle, great coat, 
blanket, and a bag with three days provisions, which horse he afterwards 
found, but lost the other articles ; which was ordered paid by said Assembly, 
after an adjustment of said account. 

Judah and David Learning, of Farmington, were committed to gaol in Hart- 
ford, for words and conduct inimical to the United States ; who stated to said 
Assembly that in their cool, retired, and deliberate moments they felt the highest 



2C0 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

regard for their country, :i|^p|tR liberties. Upon the report of the commiltco 
before appointed to cmiuii-e into the Farniinjjton cases, reported that they gave 
due notice to Solomon Whetmore and Timothy Root, selectmen, and Ebenezer 
Hamlin and Simeon Hart, committee of inspection, to appear at David Bull's in 
IJartford, vvitii their evidence against said Judah and David ; and said town did 
not appear, but the material facts were found true against them ; and said Judah 
and Diivid were very ))enitcnt and sorry for their unworthy conduct, and said 
they were willing to defend their country with their lives and fortunes. The 
Assembly ordered the keeper of the gaol, in Hartford, to release said prisoners, 
upon their paying all costs. 

Zephaniah Whipple, of Norwich, was allowed £2 : 10, for the loss of his gun 
by mistake, while he was under guard. 

Timothy Rishop, of Guilford, slated that his wife was employed by the select- 
men of Durham, in Januarj', 1777, to nurse two prisoners, from New York' 
sick of the small pox ; and that by cleansing their clothes, she was taken with a 
fever, away from home, and cost said Bishop ,^8 : 6 : 4 ; which sum he prayed 
. should be allowed to hiin ; and which was ordered by the Assembly to be adjust- 
ed and paid. 

On a memorial of Israel Dodge, Thomas Mason, George Dodge, and George 
Williams, of Salem, in the State of Massachusetts, asking said Assembly to pay 
them a judgment they had recovered against the estate of Joshua Winslow, de- 
ceased, of Boston, jC637 : 6 : 1 J, out of the proceeds of the sale of the brig 
Nancy and her cargo, brought into Norwich, as a prize vessel, in the year 1775 ; 
the avails of which had been taken for public use, &c. ; which sum the Assem- 
bly directed the Treasurer to pay to said Dodge and company. 

Joseph Hull and Philip Redfield, of Killingworth, marched in Col. Ward's 
regiment, in February, 1776, as far as Stamford, on their way to New York' 
under Gen. Lee, and were there ordered onboard Capt. Sclleck's privateer, and 
served there six weeks, and were then discharged, without pay. The Assembly 
directed the pay table to examine and pay said accounts for service in said 
privateer. 

The first battalion of volunteers under Col. N. Hooker, who engaged in De- 
cember, 1776, by an invitation of said Assembly, in the ser'Mce for two months, 
and equipped themselves with arms. Sec, asked the Assembly to allow them a 
premium. The Assembly directed 20 shillings to be paid each non-commission- 
ed officer and soldier, who engaged for and served two months in said battalion. 

Upon the memorial of Samuel Holden Parsons, Esq., who shewed to the As- 
sembly, that in April, 177,5, he, together with Col. Samuel Wyllys, Silas 
Dean, and others, undertook the surprising and hazardous seizing the enemy's 
post, at Ticonderoga, without the knowledge of said Assembly ; and for that 
purpose took a (juantity of money from the treasury, and gave their receipt for 
the same, and expended the whole of said money in said service ; and asked said 
Assembly to order said receipts to be cancelled or given up to them ; — which or- 
der was made, conditioned, that they should exhibit and lodge with the pay table 
the accounts and vouchers of their depositions and expenditures of the sums con- 
tained in said receipts, viz : one receipt dated 15th of May, 1775, for £10, sign- 
ed Samuel Bishop, Jr., William Williams, and Samuel H. Parsons ; one dated 
28th of April, 1775, for £200, signed Thomas Mnmford, Samuel H. Parsons, 
Silas Dean, and Sanuiol Wyllys ; one of the same date, for ^100, signed Tho- 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 281 

mas Mumforcl, Adam Babcock, Samuel H. Parsons, and Silas Dean ; and one 
dated May 17, 1775, lor £500, signed Joshua Porter, Thomas Mumford, Jesse 
Root, Ezekiel Williams, Samuel Wyllys, and Charles Webb. And the pay table 
were directed to charge the amount of said sums to the continent, when deliv- 
ered to the signers thereof. 

A premium of j£lO : 13 : 6, was directed to be paid to Elijah Calkins, of Sha- 
ron, on 213 pounds of salt petro, manufactured by him, before the 1st of Janu- 
ary, 1777. 

Thomas Bell, of Lebanon, in January, 1776, was appointed a lieutenant in 
the continental array, in Capt. Throop's company, in Col. Burrall's regiment, 
and joined the army in the northern department, and continued there until the 
30th day of May, 1776, and was then taken with the small pox, at the River Sor- 
rell ; and said regiment being on their march, left the petitioner destitute, either 
of hospital, physic, or nurse, which lie provided at his own expense, being about 
£12, lawful money. The Assembly directed the Treasurer to pay said Bell, 
£12. 

John McLean, Eli Mygatt, and others, selectmen of Danbury, in Fairfield 
county, stated to the Assembly, that the enemy, in their incursion into Danbury, 
burned and destroyed the public records of said town, and they apprehended 
great damage might arise to the inhabitants, unless some timely remedy should 
be provided. The Assembly appointed Daniel Sherman, Col. Nehemiah Beards- 
ley, Increase Moseley, and Lemuel Sanford, to repair to Danbury, as soon as 
might be, and notify the inhabitants of said town, and by all lawful ways, in- 
quire into and ascertain every man's right, and report to the next General As- 
sembly. 

Capt. Joshua Huntington, agent to build a continental ship, in Norwich, was 
in great want of lucust timber for trunnels for said ship ; and the Assembly was 
informed, that it could be found on a farm, in New London, formerly owned by 
Capt. Oliver, deceased, and then owned by one Oliver, of Boston, or Dr. Thomas 
Moffatt, both of which were then with the enemy ; and liberty was asked of 
said Assembly to cut the needed quantity. And the Assembly authorized said 
Huntington to enter on said farm and cut such quantity of locust trees, for the 
purpose mentioned, as he should think was needed, and keep an account thereof, 
to be appraised by the carpenters of said ship, and to be rendered when called 
for. 

The selectmen of Ridgefield represented to the Assembly, that the British, on 
their incursion to Danbury ; on their return, passed through said Ridgefield, and 
on their way burned many dwelling houses, and other buildings therein, and 
killed and drove away many of their cattle, and plundered the inhabitants of all 
their provisions, and much of their clothing, whereby many of the inhabitants 
were reduced to such indigence, poverty, and distress ; to provide for themselves 
they could not, and said town could not afford them adequate relief. The As_ 
sembly appointed the same committee as had been appointed to repair to Dan- 
bury, to estimate the losses of each person in Ridgefield, that had been sustained 
by the hostile measures of the British troops, and report to a future Assembly ; 
so that the actual loss the unfortunate sufferers had sustained by the ravages of 
so merciless an enemy, should be known, and made thereof to any future As- 
sembly. And the Assembly directed the pay table to draw an order on the 
Treasurer, in favor of the selectmen of said town, for the sum of £250, to be 



282 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

used in relieving the distrt^uM of such persons, that were sufferers, as could not 
subsist without such relicf^^nd render their account when called to do so. 

Thaddeus Benedict, of Danbury, represented to the Assembly, that the British 
troops, when in Danbury, burned his dwellins; house, and several other houses 
kept for public entertainment ; and staled that he had provided a convenient 
house in the^'centre of said town, and asked" for a license to keep a public house ; 
which was granted by said Assembly. 

Mary Hoyt, the wife of Isaac Hoyt, then late of Danbury, shewed to the As- 
sembly, that she had ever been a good whig, and a true friend to the rights of 
her country, and that her husband, when the enemy entered said Danbury, being 
an enemy to his country, went off and joined the British, by which he had justly 
forfeited all his estate, both real and personal ; and that the selectmen had seized 
upon all the personal'estate of her husband, by means of which she was depri- 
ved of the necessaries of life ; and asked the Assembly to order that one-third 
part of all the clear moveable estate should be given to her, and the use of one- 
third part of all the real estate, for her natural life, for her support. The As- 
sembly ordered that said Mary Hoyt should have and enjoy one-tliird part of tlie 
personal and real estate, during the pleasure of the Assembly. 

Absalom Stockwell, of Killingly, on the 9lh day of May, 1775, entered the 
service of this State, and weftt to Ro.\bury or Cambridge, in Massachusetts, in 
defence of their just rights, to serve seven months ; and did so serve until the 
2d day of December then next, and then imprudently left the service without 
a discharge, but had been twice in service at Roxbury afterwards, and was a 
friend to his country. The Assembly directed the pay table to draw an order 
in his favor, for siich sum as they should find due. 

Joseph Seymour, Jr., was sentenced to two years imprisonment in Hartford 
gaol, for inimical practices, and fined £20. Ho stated he had faithfully served 
tiie United States, and yet repented of his conduct, and promised reformation ; 
and asked to bo liberated from prison upon his enlisting into the continental 
service; which the Assembly granted, on condition of his so enlisting, and 
paying the cost of prosecution. 

Ebenezer Stevens, of New Fairfield, in August, 1776, on the march of the 
militia to New York, let his horse and saddle to aid in carrying the baggage of 
Capt. Bradley's company to New York — both of which were lost. Tlio Assem- 
bly allowed said Stevens £12 : 10 lawful money for said horse and saddle. 

Josiah Hall, of Wallingford, rode on horseback to aid the troops of Connec- 
ticut, when tiiey pursued the British troops on their retreat from Danbury ; ho 
rode within half a mile of the action at Compo, there left his horse, and 
engaged the enemy, for some time ; but at last retreated to his horse and 
mounted him, and soon said horse was shot under him, by the enemy. The 
Assembly ordered the said Hall paid for said horse, tiie sum of £10 lawful 
money. 

Thomas Mumford, Esq., of Groton, with other merchants of lliis State, had 
a large quantity of English goods at Bedford, in Massachusetts, wiiic.h liad been 
taken by their privateer, the Fanny, in a prize ship. He also had a cargo of 
salt imported at said Bedford ; and asked liberty to import said goods and salt 
into this State. The Assembly directed the Governor to write to the Assembly, 
or in the recess of the Assembly in Massachusetts, to the Council of said 
Slate, and request them to permit said goods, or any other captured goods in the 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 283 

ports of that Slate, by mcrchanta of Connecticut, to be transported, by land or 
water, into thia State, for the necessary supply of the inhabitants, any embargo 
of said State notwithstanding. 

John McKee stated to the Assembly, that in June, 1776, he was convicted of 
harboring and secreting some prisoners who were about to join the enemies of 
the United Stales, and sentenced to one years imprisonment, and forfeited all 
his estate ; that he was so committed at Litchfield, and there remained until the 
24th day of February, 1777, when the Assembly ordered him to be removed to 
East IJaddam, there to be confined within the limits of said town ; that he was 
heartily convinced of the iniquity of his conduct, and was ready to serve his 
country in supporting their glorious cause. The Assembly gave said McKee 
liberty to return to his family, and use his forfeited estate during the pleasure 
of said Assembly, upon his paying such cost as had accrued by his confinement 
in Kaet Haddam. 

John Tliomas, of Roxbury, enlisted on the 28th day of June,- 1776, for the 
northern department, under Capt. Lacy, in Col. Swift's regiment, and marched 
on the 18th of July, and joined his regiment at Skeensborough, on the 30th of 
July, and served until the 5th of September, 1776, when ho was sick with the 
camp distemper and rtturned home, (and was returned as a deserter). The 
Assembly ordered his account of wages, expenses of sickness, and mileage until 
he returned home, allowed by the pay table, if found due. 

Jonathan Dull, of Hartford, shewed that one of his family had taken the 
small pox, by means unknown to him, whereby his family and Widow Sarah 
Butler, and three of the family of Moses Butler, had been exposed ; and asked 
liberty of the Assembly to inoculate them ; which was granted under such regu- 
lalions as the selectmen of Hartford should direct. 

Roger Veils, of Simsbury, (clerk) was sentenced in January, 1777, to one 
years imprisonment, and fined ;C20 — and the Assembly enlarged his confine. 
mcnt in prison, and permitted him to be confined within the town lines of 
Simsbury, by his paying costs of prosecution, &c., and giving a bond, with 
surety, in the penal sum of £1,000 lawful money, conditioned that he should 
not go out of said town, or do or say any thing against the United States within 
the ttme for which he was sentenced. 

Daniel Tyler, Jr., and others, of Brooklyn, petitioned to form a matross com. 
pany, with three or four light cannon, and equip themselves for service ; which 
the Assembly granted, with three field pieces, not exceeding 12 men to one 
field piece. 

The Assembly adjourned the 7th day of June, A. D. 1777. 



284 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 



GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 

SPECIAIi SESSION. 

At a General Assembly, held by special order of the Governor, at 
Hartford, on the 13th day of August, A. D. 1777. 

His Excellency Jonathan Trumbull, Governor. 

Hon. Matthew Griswold, Deputy Governor. 

Jabez Hamlin, Elisha Sheldon, Jabez Huntington, William Pitkin, Roger 
Sherman, Abraham Davenport, Oliver Wolcolt, and Samuel Huntington, 
Esq'rs., Assistants. 

An act in addition to a law of tliis State, was passed, declaring that high 
treason should not be a bailable offence. 

The two acts to prevent monopolies before passed, were repealed. 

In compliance with a resolution of Congress, the 3Ist of July, 1777, tho 
Assembly resolved, that a proper person should be appointed within the limits 
of each brigade in the State, to recruit men to fill the regiment raised to serve 
in the continental army, and to give a bond of ;e2,00() to faithfully discharge his 
duty ; to secure all deserters from the army in their respective districts; with 
power, if needed, to apply to commanding officers of the militia to aid him in 
taking said deserters ; and lo receive $8 for every effective man by him enlisted, 
to serve for three years, or during the war ; and §5 for each deserter by them 
secured, in full for his trouble and expense. And to encourage men so to enlist, 
they were at tho time of their enlistment, to make choice of the regiment, 
troop, or company where they would serve; provided said company, &c., was 
not full. And the Governor and Council were desired to appoint places of ren- 
dezvous to receive recruits and deserters, and inform Gen. Washington thereof; 
also to give orders to carry the same into execution. And it was provided, that 
each effective man who should enlist as aforesaid, should be entitled to a bounty 
of ^10 from the State, besides the allowances made by Congress. 

The officers of the two battalions of militia ordered to march and join the 
northern army, were detached from the brigades of the State, as follows, viz. : 
1st brigade, 1 lieutenant colonel, 3 captains, 3 lieutenants, 4 ensigns. From 
the 2d brigade, 1 colonel, 3 captains, 3 lieutenants, 2 ensigns. From the 3d 
brigade, 1 colonel, 4 captains, 4 lieutenants, 4 ensigns. From the 4th brigade 

2 lieutenants. From the 5th brigade, 1 lieutenant colonel, 1 major, 4 captains, 

3 lieutenants, 4 ensigns. From the 6th brigade, 1 major, 2 captains, 1 lieuten. 
ant, 2 ensigns. • 

The officers from the 1st, 2d, 6th, and 1 lieutenant from the 4th brigade, to 
belong to the 1st battalion ; and the officers of the 3d, 5th, and 1 lieutenant from 
the 4th brigade, to belong to the 2d battalion aforesaid. 

The staff to be appointed by the colonels of the two battalions. The com- 
manding officers of each brigade to detach the field officers, captains, and sub- 
alterns for the two battalions, in proportion as aforesaid. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 285 

It was resolved, that the selectmen of the several towns in the State, should 
provide for the families of the non-commissioned officers and soldiers raised in 
the State for the continental army, with such necessaries for said families as 
they should want, at the rate established by law, fixing the prices in accordance 
with the amount of money deposited in their hands, not to exceed three-fourths 
of their wages, at the expense of the town where said family resided at the time 
of enlistment, till the 1st day of December, 1777 ; before which time the Assem. 
bly engaged to make such other arrangements for said families as would be just. 
And the selectmen were directed to procure such necessaries, at the most rea. 
sonalile rate ; and if needed, to apply to an assistant, for a warrant to impress 
such necessaries, the value whereof to be appraised by indifferent persons, and 
paid by said selectmen. 

As many of the inhabitants of this State were wounded by the British troops 
at Danbury, in April, 1777 ; and such wounded persons had been put to great 
expense in their sickness : Therefore the Assembly provided, lliat all persona 
who had been wounded in any action with said troops in their said incursion, 
should be paid out of the State treasury, all their reasonable expenditures for 
surgeons, medicines, boarding, and nurses. 

It was resolved, that the two battalions of militia, ordered raised by this act, 
should consist of 728 men each, including commissioned officers appointed, and 
to join and aid the nortlicrn army ; and raised from the several brigades in the 
State in the following proportion, viz. : from the Ist brigade, 282 men ; from 
the 2d brigade, 240 men ; from the 3d brigade, 331 men ; from the 4tli brigade, 
60 men ; from the 5lh brigade, 331 men ; and from the 6lh brigade, 130 men, 
exclusive of commissioned officers. 

The Assembly ordered, that one half of the troops of light horse in the State, 
not in service, that had been detached by order of the Governor and Council, 
should be held in readiness to march at the shortest notice, and should as soon 
as might be, march to and join the continental army in the northern depart- 
ment, and act under the commander-in-chief of said army ; and there continue 
in service two months from the time of joining the army, unlets sooner dis. 
charged. 

It was further ordered, that one regiment of 728 men, including officers, 
should be forthwith raised, by voluntary enlistment, and to continue in service 
until the Ist day of January, 1778, unless sooner discharged ; to be subject to 
the orders of the Governor and Council, and to serve in the northern depart. 
ment, or elsewhere, m the States. Each so enlisting, to receive a bounty of 
one months pay in advance, and a bounty of ^4:10 lawful money; and if he 
should provide himself with arms and accoutrements, that he sliould be allowed 
15 shillings, and 15 shillings more to provide a blanket and knapsack ; with the 
same pay, allowance, subsistence, and refreshments that were allowed to the 
continental troops raised in the State. And the Governor and Council were 
requested to issue orders to carry the same into execution. 

It was resolved, that the raising of the regiment before ordered, should be 
postponed ; and empowering the Governor and Council, in the recess of the 
Assembly, to give all necessary orders for raising the same, if it should be 
advisable. 

The Assembly requested the Governor to write to all commanding officers of 
the battalions raised in Connecticut, to serve in the continental army, requesting 
37 



286 REVOLUTIOiNARY WAR, 1777. 

them to cause true returns Id be made of the non commissioned officers and 
soldiers, enlisted or dctaclW; to serve in the nine and a half battalions ordered 
raised in the State, wilh their rank, names and the names of the towns to 
which they belonged, lime of their enlistment or detachment, and term for 
which to serve, with the particulars of deserters and those not joined, and Ihoso 
hired for three years, or during the war, agreeable to the recommendation of 
Congress, and by whom hired. And the Governor was desired to issue orders to 
the several brigadier generals of militia, to direct' the colonels within their 
brigades, to cause true returns of the names of all the non-commissioned officers 
and soldiers who had enlisted, or been detached to serve in the continental army, 
wilh the towns and companies to which they belonged ; those hired and by 
whom, and the names of such as had not joined their corps, and noting such as 
had been detained by sickness, and to transmit the same to the Governor as 
soon as might be. 

A large party of the militia had been ordered by the Governor and Council 
of Safety, to march to Peckskill, under Gen. Ward, to reinforce the army there, 
under a requisition of Maj. Gen. Putnam, desiring them to be sent on horse- 
back, with persons to return the horses. The Assembly directed the pay table 
lo adjust the accounts for such horse hire, at 3 pence per mile, and the persons 
who returned said horses, at 4 shillings per day and expenses in assisting said 
party in their march. 

The Assembly ordered 40 shillings lo be advanced in part pay to each of the 
non-commissioned officers and privates in the light horse troops, then on their 
march to join the northern army. 

The sum of ^3 lawful money, additional bounty, was ordered by the Assera. 
bly to be paid to each non-commissioned officer and soldier in the company of 
rangers, under Capt. Sylvanus Mead, raised in May, 1777. 

The two regiments ordered lo march and join the northern army, were ordered 
to be held in said service two months from the time of joining the army, unless 
sooner discharged, vvitli like pay, wages, allowances, and refreshments as con- 
tinental troops, with a half gill of rum each man per day, on their march to 
join the army. 

Each non-commissioned officer and soldier, duly discharged, to receive 40 
shillings bounty for each month he should continue in service, and in that pro. 
portion for any part of a month, on his return, and 20 shillings advanced to each 
before marching. That the divisions not drafted for any special tour of duty 
should be detached, and if a sufficient number should not appear to go, that the 
same should be completed by peremptory draughts from the able bodied men in 
the company, under fifty years of ago, except such as had hired substitutes for 
the continental army. 

It was farther provided, tliat if any person of the alarm list, or train band 
peremptorily drafted as aforesaid, should neglect to march as required, and 
should not procure an able botlicd man in his place vvitliin twenty. four hours 
from the time of his draft, and not making a reasonable excuse lo the officer 
who drafted him ; /te should be considered a soldier in the army for the time 
aforesaid, and treated as such. Also that those who marched on horseback, 
should be allowed 4 pence per mile out, for each horse, and that sufficient car. 
riages to transport their baggage should be provided for those who should march 
on foot ; that they should all be provided with provisions on their march ; and 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 287 

the Governor was desired to appoint some persons to furnish such provisions 
and carriages ; that arms should be provided for the poor, and a sufficient num. 
ber of tents and canteens provided from the towns, and if not returned, to be 
paid for by the State. 

It was also resolved, that two battalions of 728 men each, officers included, 
of the militia, should be ordered to march with the utmost speed, to join and aid 
theltontinental army in the northern department. 

The Assembly appointed Samuel McLallen, to be colonel ; Noah Phelps, 
lieutenant colonel ; and Bezaleel Bebee, to bo major of tlie battalion (then) to 
be raised. 

It was resolved, that the non-commissioned officers and soldiers who were 
drafted from the militia, and served at New Lojidon, and places adjacent, and 
had continued in that service two months in May, June, and July, 1777, should 
be paid a bounty of 20 shillings lawful money to each man. 

A tax of 1 shilling on the pound, was laid on the grand list of 1776, payable 
in November. 

It was resolved, that before any gun should bo purchased by the State, it 
should be loaded and fired with three inches of good powder, and two suitable 
balls, and otherwise proved as before ordered. 

It was represented to the Assembly, that a pampiilet, entitled "A discourse 
upon extortion," was then in the press, in Hartford, which contained many 
insulting reflections on civil government, leading to sedition, blood shed, and 
domestic insurrections ; and that it was expected soon to be published and 
scattered among the people, to the great danger of the public peace, and the 
safety of the good people of the United States. The Assembly ordered a 
warrant forthwith issued, directing the sheriff of Hartford county to seize said 
pamphlet, and all the copies thereof, and deliver them to the care of the attorney 
for this State in the county of Hartford, who was directed carefully to inspect 
them, and pursue such measures relative thereto, as he should judge advisable. 
The Assembly appointed Samuel Montgomery, a surgeon and physician to 
the detachment of light horse ordered to join the continental army in the 
northern department, with the pay and rations of a surgeon's mate in the 
continental army. 

The oath of fidelity was administered to the members of the General Assem. 
bly, whose names were recorded, including the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, 
and Assistants. 

Ezekiel Hull was appointed captain of the 2d troop of horse, in the 3d regi. 
ment of light horse ; Deodate Silliman, lieutenant in said troops ; Moses Sher. 
wood, cornet of said 2d troops ; Thomas Wheeler, Jr., quarter master of said 
2d troop. 

Samuel Hall, captain of the 4lh company of horse, in the 4th regiment of 
light horse ; John Stewart, lieutenant of said company ; William Bingham, 
cornet, in said company. 

Joel Potter, captain of the 3d company, of the alarm list, 15th regiment. 
Perley Howe, captain ; Asaph Wilder, lieutenant ; Stephen Tucker, cornet; 
and Davis Flint, quarter master, of the 2d company of horse in the 4th regi. 
iment of light horse. 

Reuben Hart, ensign of the 3d company of alarm list, 15th regiment. 



288 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

Josiah Pholpg, captain; E^VVilPon, lieutenant; William Abernetha, ensign 
of the 4th company of alari^Tist, 17i1j regiment. 

Capt. Ebonezer Coo, of Stratford, informed the Assembly, that on the 25th 
day of April, 1777, when the British made an excursion to Danbury, he was 
ordered out with his company, and that in an engagement with the enemy, at 
Ridgcfield, on the 27th day of said April, ho received a wound by a bail shot by 
the enemy, and destroyed his right eye ; and asked said Assembly for a re#ard 
for his time and money expended in his cure. The Assembly ordered the sum 
of jC60 lawful money, to be paid said Coe from the State treasury ; also directed 
the pay table to adjust his account, and allow what they should judge just and 
reasonable for his expensesi 

Bodwell Huse, of New Haven, enlisted in 177G, under Col. Douglass, was 
taken sick and by mistake returned as a deserter ; asked the Assembly for his 
wages and mileage, being £9 : 11 : 2. The account was delivered to the pay 
table for examination and allowance. 

Michael Ames, of New Haven, and James Denliam, of Wallingford, stated 
that by the influence of designing men, they were induced to go to Long 
Island, and were there induced, partly by threats and partly by necessity, to 
enter the service of the enemy, until the proclamation offering pardon to such 
as should leave the British service and return to Connecticut was issued — but 
by sickness was detained after the 1st day of August, 1777, (after the time 
limited in said proclamation) ; that they escaped on the 7th day of August, 1777, 
and returned home, with a determination of becoming good subjects of the 
State. The Assembly pardoned them, on condition of their taking the oath of 
fidelity, and discharged them from imprisonment, upon their paying the cost of 
apprehending and confining them to the time of discharge. 

Thomas Bidwell claimed damages of the State for a contract (made in June, 
1776,) to manufacture sulphur. The Assembly ordered him paid £G3 : 3 in 
discharge of said contract. 

The Assembly adjourned. 



GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 

OCTOBER SESSION. 

At a General Assembly of the Governor and Company of Connecticut, 
holden at Hartford, October 11th, 1777. 

His Excellency Jonathan Trumbull, Governor. 
Eight Assistants present. 

An act, in addition to the act enjoining an oath of fidelity to this State, was 
made ; in which it was provided, that no person in the State should exercise any 
office, civil or military, or vote in any town, society, or other public meeting 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 289 

appointed by law, or plead in any court, (except in his own case,) until he had 
taken the oath of fidelity to the State. And that after the 1st day of December 
1777, no person should be executor on any estate, or administrator, or guardian 
to a minor, until he shall have taken said oath. 

It was enacted, that all houses and lands in the State, not owned by any 
citizen of the United States, should be taken possession of by the Governor and 
Company of Connecticut, and if fit for use, to be leased, not to exceed three 
years. And the State's attorneys were ordered to act for the Governor and 
Company, in their several counties, and prosecute where necessary to recover 
said possession and damages, receive rents, and pay into the State treasury, and 
receive three per cent, on all moneys so received, and the bills of cost recov- 
ered, Sec. 

It was further provided, that no inhabitant of the State, or of the United 
States who was inimical to the freedom or independence of the United States, 
and refused or neglected to take the oath of fidelity, nor any alien or foreigner 
should hold, purchase, or transfer real estate within this State, without special 
license from the General Assembly ; and such conveyances made void. It was 
made the duty of the selectmen of the towns in the State, to notify the State's 
attorneys of all real estates in their towns, owned by foreigners. 

An act was made to encourage fair dealing, and punish sharpers and oppres- 
sors, all conspiracies and other acts, to enhance the prices of merchandize, or 
the necessaries or even conveniencies of life, were considered immoral and 
oppressive to the poor, and pernicious to the State ; and particularly when there 
was an interruption of commerce in time of war, and a great demand for many 
articles. The Assembly therefore provided, that no person in the State, after the 
12th day of November, 1777, should purchase for their own use, (except in small 
quantities), the following articles, viz. : rum, sugar, molasses, tea, wine, coffee, 
salt, tow cloth, or linen or woolen cloths, stockings, shoes, raw hides, leather, 
wool, flax. Gotten, cotten or wool cards, butter, cheese, wheat, rye, Indian corn, 
beans, peas, meal or flour, beef, pork, cider, tobacco, neat cattle, sheep, or other 
live stock, unless such persons should obtain a license, signed by the civil author- 
ity and selectmen where the applicant should dwell ; and that such license should 
only be granted to men of good character for probity, public spirit, and friends to 
the independence of the American States, and had taken the oath of fidelity to 
this State. If a person so licensed should sell articles at unreasonable prices, or 
refuse to sell at reasonable prices for bills of credit of the State, or bills of the 
United States, he forfeited his license. Also that no engrosser should sell the 
articles aforesaid in this State, that he had or should engross, and bring into this 
State, without license from the Governor or Council of Safety, on penalty of 
forfeiting double the value of the property sold, or suffer six months imprison- 
ment. And it was also provided, that before granting such license, the appli- 
cant should make a list of all the articles for sale, and deliver it on oath, to the 
authoritj' granting such license. And as many factitiously had pretended to pur- 
chase for the army, and had engrossed many of the articles above named, to sell 
at exorbitant prices ; the Assembly declared that no commissary, or other person 
authorized to purchase supplies for the army or navy, should purchase any such 
articles in this State, until he produced his authority from the Governor or an 
assistant ; or if any person should purchase, not so authorized, that he should 
forfeit treble the value of such articles, and be liable to imprisonment not exceed- 



290 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

ing six months. And for^juolation of tlie 1st paragrapli, should forfeit double 
the value of the articles pWcliased ; one-half of said forfeiture to the informer, 
and the other half to the treasury of the State ; which act was to continue in 
force until October, 1778. 

An act was passed, that no person should transport goods through this State, 
without a license from an assistant or justice of peace, and proof made to said 
assistant or justice, that such goods were, bona fide, procured in some other 
State, and that the applicant was friendly to the liberty of America. It was 
also provided, that when any inhabitant of this State should apply to an assistant, 
&c., for liberty to transport out of this State, by land or w^ater, so much of their 
produce, (excepting sheep's wool and clothing 6f every kind, as would be suffi- 
cient to purchase salt for their families, and that only ;) such assistant or justice, 
with two or more or the selectmen of the towns to which such persons belonged, 
were directed to adjust the quantity of produce that ought to be permitted ; and 
such permits were so ordered to be given. And before any such permit was 
granted to transport produce by water, said authority were directed to require a 
bond, with surely, to three times the value of the articles, that the articles should 
not be sold to the enemy, but the avails thereof should be used to purchase salt, 
and that only. 

It was made a crime, punishable with death, if any person should wilfully 
burn or destroy, or attempt or conspire to burn or destroy any magazine of pro- 
visions, or of military or naval stores, belonging to the United States, or to 
Connecticut ; or if any master, officer, seaman, mariner, or other person en- 
trusted with the navigation of any continental vessel, the property of this State 
should wilfully burn or destroy, or so attempt or conspire to do, or wilfully be- 
tray, yield, or deliver any such vessel to the enemies of the United States ; eve- 
ry such person, his aiders or abettors of either of said offences, was to be pun- 
ished with death. 

The following address and resolution was made by the General Assembly, to 
the' people of Connecticut, viz : " Whereas the multitude of our iniquities have 
provoked the righteous Governor of the Universe, to display the tokens of his 
wrath against us, by means whereof we are involved in the calamities of a bloody 
and unnatural war, tending to introduce profaneness, injustice, oppression, and 
almost every kind of vice ; and as virtue is the only foundation of happiness to 
a free people : — It is resolved by the Assembly, that His Excellency tlie Governor 
be, and he is hereby desired, in behalf of this Assembly, earnestly to exhort all 
persons of every rank, carefully to abstain from oppression, injustice, and every 
vice, and to apply themselves to industry, economy, and every moral and social 
virtue ; strictly enjoining and requiring'men of every denomination to be pecu- 
liarly careful to yield a willing and cheerful obedience to the laws of this State ; 
and that all executive courts, ministers of justice, and informing officers, in their 
respective departments, use their utmost influence in promoting the administra- 
tion of justice, and due observance of the law among the people ; assuring all 
orders of men, that this Assembly are determined to remove every officer of 
government who shall fail of a faithful performance of his trust ; earnestly re- 
commending to the good people of this State, a due attention to the high obliga- 
tions they are under to perform the duties of brotherly kindness and charity, to 
alleviate each other's burdens, relieve the distresses of the poor ; and that they 
discountenance, as much as possible, all persons who are in any way practising 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 291 

the detestable vices of monopoly, engrossing, &c. ; or who withhold the conven- 
iencies of life from sale, or demand exorbitant prices for the same, considering 
them as totally unworthy of election to any public office, and even as the vilest 
pests of society. And that the ministers of the gospel, in their several societies, 
in this State, be directed to read this proclamation publicly, in their respective 
congregations." 

Roger Sherman, Eliphalet Dyer, Samuel Huntington, Oliver Wolcott, Titus 
Hosmer, Oliver Ellsworth, and Andrew Adams, EsqVs. were appointed delegates 
to the General Congress, for the year, and until others should be chosen, and 
arrive in Congress, in their stead. 

The delegates in Congress, from this State, were instructed to move Congress, 
to recommend to each State, to draw in and sink their outstanding bills, except- 
ing bills less than one dollar, by thein emitted ; and to tax themselves in a sum 
proportioned for each State by Congress, sufficient to pay the current annual 
expenses of the war, and to sink a part of the continental bills drawn in by 
taxes and the continental loan offices, and apportion the whole sum of continen- 
tal bills emitted, to each State ; recommending to them respectively, to provide 
funds for sinking the same within a reasonable time. 

It was resolved, that a prison ship should be provided for the reception of the 
prisoners of war in this State, if such a ship could be hired, or impressed for a 
convenient time, at a reasonable price ; which was left to the discretion of the 
Governor and Council. 

A resolution passed, granting the troops in Col. Enos' regiment, the same re- 
freshments as were allowed to the continental troops, raised in this State for 
continental service. 

The Governor of this State was authorized to appoint an agent in Massachu- 
setts, to manage and conduct all matters, causes, and things, relative to prizes, 
captures or parts of captures, taken and brought into port there, by any ships of 
war of this State. The Governor was to empower such agent to transact in 
said matters, under such orders as he should receive from the Assembly, or Gov- 
ernor and Council. 

The Assembly directed, that there should be imported into this State, as soon 
as possible, blankets and other coarse woolens to the value of £20,000, sterling, 
to supply the continental army, from France, or elsewhere ; and the Governor 
and Council were directed to carry the same into execution, as they should judge 
the most safe and expeditious. 

The commissary of prisoners was directed to send, under safe guard, thirty of 
the prisoners, sent from the State of New York, and who arrived in Hartford 
on the 17th day of October, 1777, to the town of Windham, and there to be 
confined in gaol, under the care of the sheriff of that county. And twenty of 
said prisoners sent from the State of New York, by the commissary in like man- 
ner, sent to Norwich, and there confined in gaol, under the sheriff of New Lon- 
don county. And said sheriffs were directed to provide guards for their safe 
keeping, with power to suffer such of them to go out to labor, as the sheriff and 
selectmen should judge safe and best. 

A law was enacted, that the towns in the State should annually, during the 
war, choose a committee to supply the families of such officers and soldiers in 
their towns, with necessary provisions and clothing, for their support, to the 
amount lodged in their hands by such officers or soldiers, not exceeding half their 



292 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

wages ; and deliver the same to such families, at the price established by law, 
with a right to impress su^pro visions, if they could not bo obtained at a rea- 
sonable price. And such property impressed to have appraised, by one chosen 
by said committee, one by the officer, and one by the owner ; and payment or 
tender of such sum the officer was to make to said committee ; and all the cost 
paid by the owner of such articles, if not appraised at a greater sum than had 
been offered by said committee. 

The Governor and Council, on the 12lh day of September, 1777, resolved, 
that eacli town in the State, should procure immediately, one shirt or more, 
either linen or flannel ; one hunting shirt or frock ; one pair of woolen over, 
halls ; one or two pair of stockings, and a pair of good shoes, for each non-com. 
missioned officer and soldier in the continental army, belonging to such town, 
and deliver the same to Elijah Hubbard or Royal Flint, supeiinlending commis. 
saries for Connecticut, to be delivered to the non-commissioned officers and 
soldiers raised in this State, at the following rates, viz. : shoes, at 8 shillings 
and 6 pence ; stockings, at 6 shillings per pair ; shirts, hunting frocks, and 
overhalls according to quality, in proportion to good yard wide tow cloth, or 
2 shillings and 9 pence per yard ; and good yard wide checked or striped flannel, 
at 3 shillings and 6 pence per yard — which was enjoined upon each town in tho 
State forthwith to perform. Also to make the same provision for each town's 
whole quota of soldiers, as was stated by the Governor and his Council, and 
deliver the same to said Hubbard or Flint, or some one of the purchasing com. 
missaries, which was ordered to be paid for out of tlie public treasury of the 
State. And it was provided, if said clothing could not be so procured, the 
authority was authorized, on application of the committee of the towns, by war- 
rant, to impress the same from such persons as could conveniently spare such 
clothing, <Slc., and be appraised by three indiffijrent men, under oalh, and such 
as had taken the oath of fidelity. And if any town neglected to perform said 
trust, until the 1st day of January, 1778, they were ordered to be amerced in 
the sum of iJ20. And if friends desired to send bundles of such articles to 
officers or soldiers in the army, ihey were permitted to do up their packages, 
properly marked and directed, not exceeding the quantity prescribed for a single 
person, which were to be accounted for as part of said town's quota. 

It was ordered, that all the tents in the State, should be immediately sent to 
the militia who had marched, or should march to join Gen. Putnam. Also that 
canteens, kettles, or pots, for 1,500 men, should be provided and forwarded in 
like manner ; and that said canteens, pots, and kettles should be provided, as 
far as might be, in the western brigade. That one person in each brigade should 
be appointed to procure said articles, and mark the tents belonging to each 
town, &c., with an account of the tents and other articles provided, to what 
person or town they belonged, and delivered to the commanding officers of each 
regiment of said militia, in equal proportions ; which said articles were to be 
returned, by a proper person appointed to collect them, after said militia service 
had expired, from whence ihey came. It was also provided, that tlieroafler when 
the militia should be called into service, the brigadier general of the brigade 
from which such militia should march, should give orders to furnish thcni with 
such tents and other necessaries as they might want, to he taken care of and 
returned, as before provided. And if said articles should be damaged or lost, to 
be paid for by the State. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 293 

It was represented to the Assembly, that there was great want of small iron 
pots and kettles for the militia, when called out ; therefore the Assembly 
authorised Governor Trumbull, with the advice of his Council, as soon as niifrht 
1)0, to order the managers of the furnace, at Salisbury, to have (without delay) 
cast, (iOO pots or kettles, proper for the camp use of their several brigades. 

The Continental Congress resolved to recommend to the Assembly to appoint 
recruiting officers for continental service, and furnish them with money for said 
purpose, and charge the same to the continental account. The Assembly 
ordered said resolution of Congress immediately printed, and the resolutions of 
the Governor and Council of Safety appointing said officers in the several 
brigades in the State. And that 2,000 enlistment blanks should be printed, and 
delivered to said^officers ; and that the sum of JE300 lawful money, should be 
advanced to each recruiting officer, for the purpose mentioned in said resolve 
of Congress ; and an order to draw on the Treasurer for the same, and cliargo 
to the account of the United States, and take a bond, with surety or sureties, 
of^said officers. 

Increase Moseiy, Jr., complained against the captain of the lllh company in 
the 13lh regiment. The Assembly dismissed the said captain from office. 

Complaint was made against a number of niiUlary officers, in Litchfield 
county ; upon which complaint, the Assembly appointed Cupt. John Watson, 
H. Fitch, Jedediah Strong, and Rouben,^Sniith, Esq., a committee to examine 
the facts, and report to the Assembly. ^ 

The pay table were directed to receive from the selectmen, or committee of 
the several towns, the accounts of the articles of clothing for the use of th^* 
non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the State, in the continental army. 

A tax of 12 pence on the pound, on the list of polls and rateable estate was 
laid, and payable by the 15lh day of April, 1778. 

Representation was made to the Assembly, tiiat a prize ship had arrived at 
Salem, in Massachusetts, and that there was on board said ship a quantity of 
clothing, that might be suitable for soldiers' use, and could probably bo pur- 
chased for that purpose. Also that Mnj. Jonathan Otis, of Middletown, was 
then at Salem, and would purchase the same for the State. The Assembly 
appointed said Otis to enquire into the quality and price of said clotiiing, and 
if he found it suitable for the purpose of the army, to purchase said clothing, if 
to bo obtained on reasonable terms, to the amount of ,£4, 000 lawful money ; and 
that an order should be drawn on Samuel Elliott, Esq., of Boston, agent for 
this State, to pay the same to said Otis, in whole or part, as ho should require. 
A premium in proportion to 40 shillinga per month was allowed to the non- 
commissioned officers and soldiers of the light horse and militia that had been 
called into service to join the continental army, during the campaign of the 
summer in 1777, unless they had received a like bounty by a former act. 

It was resolved, that the militia and volunteers that had (then) lately marched 
or was marching to aid Gen. Putnam, near Fishkill, should be entitled to the 
same pay, bounty, and refreshments, as the forces sent to Albany, in August, 
I 1777. It was also ordered, that a proper person should immediately proceed 
I with £3,000 to pay to said militia or volunteers, as part of their pay, not 
exceeding 20 shillings to each man. And that a quantity of rum should also 
be immediately sent to the issuing commissary, to be delivered out for their 
refreshments. The person sent to said forces was directed to make the most 
38 



294 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

speedy return to the Assembly, of the number, state, and accommodations of 
our forces with Gen. Putii^^ and the Governor was desired to carry said reso. 
lution into immediate execution. 

It was in evidence before the Assembly, that the (then) lato commissary 
general had a large quantity of salt, and other stores the property of the United 
Stales, and no [jcrson aulliorizcd to receive them, and no commissaries of pur- 
chases appointed by Congress to purchase provisions, under the regulations in 
the eastern department, had accepted the trust ; and Gen. Putnam had sent his 
earnest request that fat cattle, for the use of the army, might bo immediately 
purchased for them, and that no person inclined to do the duty without an 
order from Congress, or the Assembly, and not being furnished with money, as 
there was an abundance of beef and pork in Connecticut, that could be procured 
for the use of the army, which would be disposed of unless speedily secured. 
The Assembly requested the Governor to write, by an express, to Congress, and 
acquaint them with the facts aforesaid, that Congress might adopt their own 
measures on the subject. 

The commissaries appointed by the Assembly to furnish tents for the militia, 
under Gen. Putnam, were ordered to return the tents to the towns to which 
they belonged ; and Capt. J. Huntington was directed to notify said commissa- 
rics of said order. 

The Assembly appointed Jonathan Wells, in the 1st brigade ; EInathan Camp, 
in llio 2(1; Jonathan Deminj, in the 3d; William Ilawley, in the 4th; Samuel 
Gray, in the 5lh ; and Lynd Lord, in the 6lh brigade of militia, to provide 
tents, pots, kettles, canteens, and other utensils for the militia of this State, in 
service under Gen. Putnam, and forward them immediately to the chief officers 
in command of said militia. 

The Governor and Council of Safety were authorized to appoint persons to 
purchase provisions, and other supplies for the land and sea forces of the State. 
Notice was directed to be given to the aforesaid committee, to purchase only 
tents — as the militia were supplied with the other utensils. 

Upon the complaint of Gen. Sillimnn, against several military companies and 
officers in the county of Fairfield, for disobedience, &c., a committee was 
appointed and reported, which report %vas accepted ; upon which the Assembly 
resolved, that Ezra Kirtland, cornet of a troop of horseir the light horse, was 
cashiered of his said office ; and that the cast military company in the town of 
Redding, was dissolved, and annexed to the west company in said town. Also 
that the 15lh militia company in the 4th regiment, formerly commanded by 
Capt, fl. Sumner, was dissolved, and annexed to other companies. And that 
said Kirtland should pay the cost, which amounted to £2 : 1 : 6, and that Dan- 
iel Hill and David Hart, two of the officers complained of, should pay £2 : 1 :6 
each, for costs of prosecution and examination. 

Upon a complaint also of Gen. Siiliman, it was resolved, that the major of the 
3d regiment of light horse was ordered to lead the troop of light horse to the 
choice of officers, to fill the place of Samuel Beldin, of Norwalk, and said 
Beldin was ordered to pay the cost taxed, at £2 : 1 : 6. 

Jabez Hamlin, Gen. E. Wolcott, Gen. Wadsworth, Col. J, P. Cook, Capt. 
ITalsey, Mr. Wales, Col. Porter, and Mr. Treadwcll, were appointed a com. 
milteo to revise the militia laws of the State, and render the same more efTec 
tual for the defence and safety of this Slate and the United Stales, 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 295 

Ezekiel Williams, Esq., commissary of prisoners of war, was directed by the 
Assembly, to immediately remove out of the court house in Hartford, the prison, 
ers of war, and provide such lodgings or barracks for them as would prevent 
their suffering, and to impress and take possession of any shops, stores, or other 
buildings, or vessels necessary and proper, for that purpose at the expense of the 
S tate. 

The comittee before appointed to repair to Danbury, to inquire as to the burn- 
ing of the public records in that town, by the British troops, had an addition of 
Col. S. Canfield and Caleb Baldwin to said committee, and an extension of 
time allowed to report. 

At this time there was great complaint in the State, as to the scarcity of change, 
or small bills, in the currency : — Therefore, the Assembly ordered ^5,250, in 
bills, to be issued, viz : of 2 pence, 3 pence, 4 pence, 5 pence, and 7 pence ; — 
60,000 bills of cash of the same tenor, with the (then late) emission of bills 
of credit of the State, without interest, payable at or before the 10th day of 
October, A. D. 1782. John Chester, Ebenezer Plummer, J. Treadwell, Samuel 
Bishop, Jr., Joseph Hopkins, Thomas Mumford, C. Phelps, Samuel Squire, 
John Brooks, (Jabez Huntington, of Windham,) Jeremiah Ripley, Andrew 
Adams, and Abel Hine, Esq'rs., or either of them, were appointed a committee 
to receive of the Treasurer and sign said bills, (without fee or reward,) with 
only one signature to any bill. And the State Treasurer was directed to cause 
said emission of bills to be forthwith printed, and delivered to said committee, 
or either of them, taking from them bills of credit of the State to the amount of 
such printed bills ; and said committee were to hold the small bills so signed by 
them, subject to the order of the Assembly. 

John Shepard, of New Hampshire, was arrested in this State, for a tory, and 
committed to gaol in Windham, from whence he escaped and returned to New 
Hampshire, where he was again taken, and there confined in gaol, and by tlie 
sheriff returned to Windham gaol ; and it was represented that said Shepard had 
counterfeited the bills of credit of New Hampshire, and been guilty of other 
offences against said State. The Assembly therefore ordered said Shepard to be 
transported to New Hampshire, by J. Huntington, sheriff of Windham county, 
and delivered to some proper authority in that State. 

It was ordered, that when the militia of this State was called into service of 
the United States, the commanding officers should see that pay rolls were made, 
and application made for payment, before or at the time of dismission. And it 
was made the duty of the Governor to appoint pay' masters, to receive and pay 
the money to each officer and soldier, as had been directed by Congress. 

The committee of pay table were directed to draw an order on the Treasurer, 
for £20, (£14 in bills, and £6 in specie,) in favor of John Bigelow, who had 
been employed to go to New York, under a flag, to negotiate an exchange of 
Capt. Judd, of the Antelope, for Capt. Manly, of the Hancock, and other pub- 
lic services, to be accounted for ; wages and expenses to be charged to the Uni- 
ted States. 

Isaac Hull, Jr., of Wallingford, was a lieutenant in the 3d company, 1st regi- 
ment of light-horse, in this State, and said troop was ordered, by an act of 1776) 
to the western part of this State, to join the forces under Gen. Wooster, (the 
captain of said company being at the time sick,) said Hull took command of said 
company from the 25th day of October, 1776, to the last day of December, 1776, 



296 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

in said service ; for wliich E^Mce neither himself, or his company had received 
any pay. The Assembly ordered the pay table to adjust the pay roll of said 
troop of light-horse, by the rule before allowed by Congress to tlio troops of 
light-horse of this Slate while in service of the country ; and draw on the Treas- 
urer, and charge the same to the continent. 

J. Kennady and R. Atkinson, of New Haven, were convicted for carrying 
Smith to Long Island, in August, 1777, and sentenced to twelve months impri- 
sonment, fined £12, lawful money, and costs. The Assembly released said 
Kennady and Atkinson from prison, by tlieir taking the oath of fidelity to the 
State, and secure the costs of prosecution, and giving bonds for their good be- 
havior. 

John Towiily was permitted to return to England, by the way of New Yorki 
by a flag of truce, at his expense. 

Isaac Thomas, of Woodbury, was wounded in the knee, at Wiiite Plains, by 
the British, about the 31st day of October, 1776, by a cannon ball, and was 
carried to North Castle, and soon after died of the wound, at Woodbury. The 
Assembly allowed to Abraham Thomas, the father, the amount due said Isaac 
for wages, Szc. 

Gen. O. Wolcott shewed the Assembly, that upon a requisition of Maj. Gen. 
Gates, in September, 1777, he marched with between 300 and 400 of the militia 
of his brigade, including 25 light-horsemen, and a few of the 13th regiment of 
volunteers, and joined the continental army under Gen. Gates, and continued in 
service until the surrender of Gen. Burgoyne, (when they were dismissed ;) and 
asked the Assembly for such allowance for supernumerary officers, for himself, 
and the other volunteers, their horse hire, &;c., as should be deemed reasona- 
ble. The assembly adjudged and allowed said accounts for wages, allowances, 
horse liire, &;c. 

Elisha and Edwin Foot, of Branford, marched to New York, in August, 1776 ; 
and Edwin died 13tii November, by sickness, and Elisha attended him in his 
illness, as no provision had been made for the sick, and they were both returned 
as deserters. The Assembly allowed their wages and cost of sickness. 

Richard Lightfoot was allowed to return to Ireland, by the way of New 
York. 

Jeremiah Mason commanded a regiment of militia at or near Maroneck, in the 
State of New York ; and when the enemy landed at Frog's Point, his regiment 
was extended nearly eight miles in length, to watch the movements of the enemy ; 
for which purpose he kept a horse in said service, and upon a sudden attack of 
the British, his horse, saddle and bridle were lost ; for which loss, he asked re- 
muneration, which was granted by the Assembly. 

Oliver Wolcott, agent for Indian affairs, appointed by Congress, in 1775, for 
the northern department, who in the months of August, September, and Decem- 
ber, in the same year, attended, at Albany, thirty-two treaties, with the Six 
Indian Nations ; for which the Assembly allowed him j£27, lawful money. 

Noadiah Kibbee, of Somers, who was under Col. Enos, was allowed for ex- 
pense of sickness, and wages, ^15 : 1 : 3. 

C. Reed and P. Wetmore, &c., petitioned for the release of P. T. Taber, who, 
by his own confession, was convicted of going on board of a ship of the enemy, 
for which he was sentenced to twelve months imprisonment in the gaol at Nor- 
wich ; that he hud conducted after he was imprisoned, as well as lie could under 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 297 

hie circumstances? ; that he was sensible of his misconduct ; that the person who 
educated him, persuaded him to think well of the King; that he was infirm, &c. ; 
that the gaol was small and full of prisoners ; that Capt. J. Harris would take 
charge of said Taber, and give a bond for his good behavior ; and prayed for 
said Taber's release from prison. The Assembly released said Taber, upon con- 
dition that said Harris should give a bond of j£500, lawful money, for his good 
behavior, and his taking the oath of fidelity, and paying the fine and cost. 

John Kellogg, of Hebron, marched to the State of New York with the 
militia, under Capt. Tarbox, on the 3d of October, 1776; he was taken sick 
and relumed home, and was returned on the pay roll a deserter, and denied his 
wages, expenses, and allowances. The committee of pay table were ordered to 
allow his account of wages and expenses, and charge the same to the United 
States. 

Jeremiah Reede, Jr., of Lebanon, on the 4th of July, 1776, enlisted nnder 
Capt. Clark, in Col. Sage's regiment, and marched to the State of New York, 
and did duty until the 17th of September, when ho was taken sick, and the 
genera] gave him liberty to go into the country, &c. ; his father returned home 
with him, and said Reede was returned on the pay roll a deserter, and lost his 
wages, &c., except his bounty and first months pay. The pay table were 
ordered to adjust said account of wages, expenses, &.C., and charge the same to 
the continental account. 

Ozias Marvin, of Norwalk, was allowed the sum of £28 : 1 :4 lawful money, 
for 45 gallons of rum, 60 pounds of dried beef, 8 pounds of sugar, and 24 case 
bottles, by him supplied to the militia, on their march to Danbury, on the 27th 
day of April, at the request of the officers ; whicii was ordered by the Assembly 
to be paid. 

Ralph Isaacs, who had Seen confined as a prisoner, by order of the Assembly, 
since October, 1776, to the limits of a society in Branford. The Assembly 
gave said Isaacs liberty to attend any of the superior or county courts in 
the State, in which he had any action depending for trial, by his taking the 
oath of fidelity. 

The selectmen of Greenwich shewed to the Assembly, that in the action at 
Compo, on the 27th day of April, 1777, that Lebbeus Mead, in Capt. Sceley's 
company, in Col. Courtland's regiment, received several exceeding dangerous 
wounds, and was unable to be removed, and was nursed and tended by their 
order ; that the amount of expense was £51 : 19 :4 ; which account the Assem- 
bly ordered adjusted and paid, and charged to the United States. 

Hanford Fairwealher, of Norwalk, was sentenced, in February, 1777, to con- 
finement in Windham county gaol, for two years, and was committed accord, 
ingly, for being inimical to the United States. He asked permission to go to 
to Norwalk and settle his affairs, and remove his family to Windham, by his 
giving bond for his safe return, &c. The Assembly gave him liberty to go at 
large in Windham, to labor for iiis support, and take the oath of fidelity. Also 
to go to Norwalk, and have a reasonable time to remove his family to Wind- 
ham, by his giving security to the sheriff of said Windham county for his good 
behavior during his absence, and for his safe return to Windham : Provided 
he should first obtain liberty of the selectmen of the town of Windham, to 
remove his family into said town, for the time of his confinement. 



298 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 

Micah Richmond, JoshuaDrako, and John Willson, of Killingly, Bhowod 
the Assembly that they onh'Wa in May, 1775, in Capt. J. Elliot's company, in 
Col. Putnam's regiment, to serve seven months, and received tlicir bounties and 
one months pay ; then marched to Cambridge, and served faitiifully in said 
company until the 1st of December, 1775; then left Iho service, believing iho 
time of their enlistment had expired, in consequence of which they wero 
returned as deserters ; that they offended ignorantiy, and had enlisted several 
times since in their country's service — asking for their wages, &c. The 
Assembly directed the committee of pay table to adjust and pay said wages, the 
same as though the petitioners had been legally discharged. 

The Assembly was adjourned. 



GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 

SPECIAL SESSION. 

At a General Assembly of Connecticut, at Hartford, held on the 
second Thursday of January, (8th day of said month,) 1778. 

PRESENT. 

His Excellency Jonathan Trumbull, Governor. 
Nino Assistants in attendance. 

As it might frequently occur, during the war, that the continental troops 
and militia within the State, might bo ordered into the several towns for winter 
quarters, or defence of such towns, a law was enacted, that whenever such 
troops should be ordered into any town for either purpose, that the conimanding 
officer should call upon the civil authority and selectmen of the town, whose 
duty it should be to appoint barrack masters to provide barracks, or houses 
suitable for the reception of such troops ; and if no houses could be procured, 
the barrack master was authorized to impress buildings for said purpose ; which 
act was to continue in force until the rising of the Assembly, in May, 1778. 

It was recommended by Congress to the States, to open subscriptions, under 
the inspection of some suitable person or persons in each town, for supplies for 
the war, on loan office certificates, specifying tho names of the lenders, the sum 
loaned, and copies of subscription papers delivered to the commissioners of the 
continental loan office, and by them transmitted to Congress, with no certificate 
less than $200, which was approved of by the Assembly. And one man 
oppointed in each town in the State, to open subscriptions in their respective 
towns, for the purposes aforesaid, as soon as might be, and keep an exact 
account and register of the names of the lenders, and sums loaned, and transmit 
from time to time lo the commissioner of the loan office in this State, copies of 
each subscription paper, and receive such suras of the lenders, and lodge the 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 299 

same with said commissioner of the loan office ; for which they were to receive 
a loan office certificate in their favor, and for which they were to be allowed by 
the Stale, one quarter per cent. 

It became important that the battalions raised by the State, to serve in the 
continental army, should be immediately filled up ; and it was considered that 
the most equitable and expeditions manner of accomplishing it, would be for 
each town to raise the quota that had beeii assigned them, by the Governor and 
Council of Safety, for filling up said battalions on the 12lh day of December, 
1777. The Assembly directed that said battalions should be filled by voluntary 
enlistment, for three years, or during the war, or until the 1st day of January, 
1779 ; that if it could not be accomplished by the 20th day of February (then) 
next, that the residue, or deficiency, should bo raised by a peremptory detach, 
ment of able bodied men, liable by law to do duty, in the Stale, from such 
towns as had not completed their quota of men to serve in said battalions until 
the 1st of January, 1779, unless sooner discharged, and to bo apportioned out 
in the several companies of alarm list and militia, who had not completed their 
quota, by the field officers of the regiment to which said companies belonged, 
&c. ; and a bounty of £5 : 6 : 8 was offered to each person to enlist and serve in 
said battalions, until the 1st day of January aforesaid, with the same wages and 
refreshments as the continental troops received. If any commanding officer of 
a company should wilfully neglect to detach his quota of men, he forfeited ^£20 
for each man neglected to be detached of his quota, and also to be cashiered. 
And the colonel of such regiment was authorized, to direct some other proper 
officer in said regiment to detach and fill said quota, and the fine or fines col- 
lected and applied for the cost of filling up said battalions. The captains of 
companies were to make returns of the names of all enlisted, or detached from 
their companies, in distinct lists ; and all such as were in the continental 
service, with the towns to which they belonged, to the colonel of the regiment 
to which they were attached, by the 1st day of March, 1778, with the return by 
a superior officer to the Governor, by the 20th of March aforesaid ; and prepare 
the soldiers to join the army as soon as the Governor should direct, with liberty 
given the soldiers to join any company in any of said battalions not then full. 
If any detached soldier, should enlist within ten days after his detachment, he 
was to receive the same bounty, &c., as those first enlisted, or procure an able 
bodied man in his stead, the person so enlisted was to have the bounty, &c., 
aforesaid. And all persons so enlisted or detached as aforesaid, were considered 
as soldiers engaged in the continental army. 

It was resolved, tl^p,t each town in the State, by their selectmen, or committee 
appointed for that purpose, were required to procure, as soon as might be, the 
articles of clothing for the soldiers of the continental army of this State, viz : 
1 hunting shirt or frock ; 2 linen shirts ; 2 pair of linen overhalls ; 1 pair of stock- 
ings ; and 2 pair of good shoes, for each officer and soldier of the quota of such 
town, as stated by the Governor and Council, in April, 1777 ; and half as many 
blankets, to be delivered to the purchasing commissaries, in the respective coun- 
ties, and dehvered before the 1st day of June, 1778, (except the blankets,) which 
were to be delivered by the 20th of September, 1778, and delivered to said sol- 
diers by order of the Assembly, or the Governor and Council in tlie recess of 
said Assembly, by such person as they should appoint, and at such prices as the 
clothier general, or his deputy, should assess them, in proportion to the wages of 



300 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 

such officers and soldiers, and the surplus of cost to be charged to the United 
States. And the towns v^r directed to forward their accounts of the cost of 
said articles, to the Assembly, to be paid for out of the treasury of the State ; 
provided the clothing could not be otherwissc procured, the committee of tlio 
town were empowered to impress, by warrant, such clothing from any person 
who could conveniently spare them, (to be appraised, &c.) 

Congress passed a resolution, on the 22d day of November, 1777, recommend- 
ing to the Legislatures of the Slates of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode 
Island and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Penn- 
sylvania, and Delaware, to appoint commissioners, to convene at New Haven, 
in this State, on the 15th of January, 1778, to regulate and ascertain the price of 
labor, manufactures, and internal produce, and commodities imported from for- 
eign parts, (military stores excepted ;) and to regulate the charges of innholders. 
The Assembly appointed Roger Sherman, William Hillhouse, and Benjamin 
Huntington, Esq'rs., as commissioners for this State, to meet the commisioners 
from the other States, as proposed, and consult with them on the subjects afore- 
said, and report to the Assembly. 

There was directed to be raised forthwith, for the defence of the sea coast, in 
this State, by voluntary enlistment, to serve until the 1st day of January, 1779, 
unless sooner discharged, several companies, to be stationed as follows, viz : two 
companies of 50 men each, including 1 captain, 1 first and 1 second lieutenant, 
1 lieutenant fire worker, 2 sargeants, and 2 corporals ; which companies were to 
do the duty of artillerymen or matrosses, so far as should be required in their 
station, and other duties of soldiers, as should be reijuired by their officers ; and 
stationed at Groton, New London, and Stonington, as the Governor and Coun- 
cil should direct. 

One company of 20 men, including 1 sargeant, 1 corporal, under a lieutenant, 
and stationed at Saybrook. 

One company of 24 men, including 1 sargeant, 1 corporal, under a lieutenant, 
and stationed at New Haven. 

One company of 20 men, including 1 sargeant, 1 corporal, under a lieutenant, 
and stationed at Milford. 

One company of 24 men, with the same officers, and stationed at Fairfield. 

One company of 24 men, with the same officers, stationed at Norwalk. 

One company of 24 men, and like officers, and stationed at Stamford. 

One company of 24 men, under like officers, and stationed at Greenwich. 

The same wages and allowances were offisred to the officers and soldiers, of 
such as should enlist, as was given for like service to officers and soldiers, in 
1777 ; and in addition, 12 shillings to each officer and soldier who provided 
himself with a good blanket, and retained his blanket after service. And to 
such non-commissioned officer or soldier as should provide a good fire arm, 
cartouch box, bayonet, and accoutrements, to the acceptance of the chief officer, 
should receive 10 shillings, also 6 ponce per day for billeting money, from his 
enlistment to the time he should have provisions from the State, and one month 
advance pay ; and said officers were liable to be removed, on any special en)cr. 
gency, for the relief of any place on the sea coast, in the State, by order of iho 
Assembly, or in recess, by the Governor and Council of Safety, when any such 
place should be attacked, or in danger of attack. The Governor and Council 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 301 

of Safety were empowered to appoint the commissioned officers for said 
companies. 

Gen. Andrew Ward wag appointed one of tlic comtnittee, to revise tlic militia 
Iaw:s, in place of Gen. J. VVadsworth ; also were added to suid committee, 
Elislia Lathrop, Caleb Baldwin, and Col. Ebenezer Norton. 

As the public records of the town of Danbury, were burned and destroyed by 
the British troops, whereby their legal evidence of title to their lands were con- 
sumed, the Assembly enacted, that the selectmen of the town of Danbury 
should, within two months after the rising of the Assembly, legally warn all 
the inhabitants of said Danbury, who had a right by law to vole in tpwn 
meetings, to meet at a time and place by them to be appointed, to choose a com- 
mittee to survey, and lay out all the highways and lands in said town, to all 
persons then in possession of any lands in their own right, and no question as 
to the title of ^.ny person. And said committee so chosen, were to make proper 
surveys of all the highways and lands in said town, to the several persons then 
in possession, where there was no dispute of his being the proper owner, &'/C., 
bounding said lands, and on whom bounded, its quantity ; and when said sur. 
vcys were made, and signed by said committee, and recorded in Danbury town 
records, it was enacted by said Assembly, that the same should be a full atid 
perfect title of said land to the owners ; and attested copies thereof given in 
evidence in any court of record, when the title of said land should thereafter be 
in question. 

It was resolved, that the families of all the commissioned and staff officers of 
the continental army, below the rank of brigadier general, in this State, should 
be provided for in the same manner, and at the same prices, as the non.commis. 
sioned officer's and soldier's families, were provided for, upon such officer's 
depositing money for that purpose, in proportion as follows, viz. : for a field 
officer's family, ;C24 ; for a captain, subaltern, or staff officer's family, .£18 per 
annum, to be paid quarterly, if required ; and such expense as should arise 
above the limited prices, was directed to be paid for by the Stale. 

Gen. Wadsworth, Col. Pitkin, and Col, Chester, were appointed a committee 
to adjust all accounts of the managers of the lead mine, at Middletown, &c., 
respecting the iraproverhont of said mine, and report make. 

The Governor was desired to write to Congress, upon the peculiar situation 
of the militia officers, who had been ordered from this State, to join Gen. Put- 
nam, at Fishkill, in October, 1777 ; and request payment for the supernume- 
rarys. Also to write Gen. Putnam, to make a proper representation of the 
peculiar situation and circumstances of said militia officers, to the Continental 
Congress. 

It was resolved, that the officers and soldiers of the militia, and levies of this 
State, in actual service, or those who had been in the service of the State, in 
the year 1777, were entitled to the same provision, &c., for their losses, 
expenses, &e., in the same manner as had been before allowed in the premises, 
in all respects to the officers and soldiers of tlie new levies and militia; and the 
committee of pay table were to adjust their accounts, draw orders, &c. 

The Governor was desired, by the Assembly, to write to Gen. Gates, or other 

proper officers of the continental army, requesting that Col. Nixon's regiment, 

ordered to the town of Farmington, for winter quarters, should take quarters 

on the sea coast, or western frontiers, in this State, near Ilorsoneck, advismg 

39 



302 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 

him a Bufiicient guard to secure Uio continental stores and artillery in Farming, 
ton, niigiit be had from th^mililia. 

Upon a representation of Maj Gen. Putnam, to the Assembly, of the neces- 
sity of inoculating for the small pox, the soldiers, artificers, &c., of the conti- 
nental army, and asking liberty to have some of them inoculated in some part 
of this State, under the direction of Doct. Isaac Foster, deputy director general 
of the hospital in the eastern department. The Assembly granted liberty to so 
inoculate, until the 25lh day of May, 1778, at such place in Woodbury, aa 
should bo provided by the civil authority and selectmen of said town, at conti- 
nental expense, if requested by Dr. Foster ; all of which was under the direction 
of the civil authority and selectmen, as the law directed. 

The Assembly directed the commissary of prisoners of war, in this State, 
forthwith to take care to secure and confine the prisoners of war, subjects of 
the King, or inhabitants of the States, within this State, either^n prison ships 
or elsewhere, as in his opinion, with the advice of the Governor and Council of 
Safety, should be expedient. 

The Governor and Council of Safety were desired, as speedily as might be, 
to make every necessary provision of clothing and refreshments, for officers 
and soldiers of this State, then in captivity in New York, Long Island, or else- 
where ; and to take particular care of those who belonged to tliis State, who 
should thereafter be so unfortunate as to fall into the power of the enemy, from 
time to time, as their necessity should require. 

It was resolved, that the supernumerary officers, who had been ordered out 
wllh the militia, and had received no pay, should have their full pay according 
to their rank, for the time they were in service. That the several captains 
should make and deliver to the colonel of the regiment, where they served, a 
pay abstract therefor, properly certified on oath ; and the colonel make a 
#" regimental abstract, properly certified, which was to be approved by the brigadier 
general, under whom said service was performed, and by him handed to the pay 
table for examination and allowance. 

It was ordered, that those of the militia, who used horses in their march to 
the relief of that part of the continental army under Gen. Putnam, at Peeks- 
kill, in October, 1777, should be paid for the use of their horses, at the rate of 4 
pence per mile out, in lieu of mileage and expenses, and be obtained and paid 
in manner aforesaid. 

As the regiments commanded by Col. John Ely and Col. Roger Enos, had 
been ordered out of the State, and subjected to long and tedious marches, and 
great expense : Therefore tho Assembly resolved to pay £4: to each non-com- 
missioned officer and soldier, in said regiments, as an additional bounty for 
extra services and expenses ; and ordered the pay table to make a full settlement 
of the pay, then due, and said bounty to said regiments for services in this and 
other States, and the Stale commissary to settle the rations due. The several 
captains to receive, and pay the wages and bounty due their companies, and be 
allowed therefor one and a half per cent, on all the money so received and paid 
out, and charge the United States for wages and rations for service performed 
out of this State. 

Upon tho complaint of Heman Allen, of Salisbury, and others, against Capt. 
James Landon, for being unfriendly to his country ; the Assembly cashiered 
said Landon, and ordered him to pay the cost of trial, &c., taxed at XI 1 : 16. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 303 

Upon complaint of Epaphras Sheldon, colonel of tlio 17th regiment, against 
Solomon Marsh, captain of the 10th company, in said regiment, for a general 
neglect of his duty, owing to an unfriendliness to the American cause, &c. • 
the Assembly dismissed said Marsh from ofSce, and ordered him to pay the 
cost, being £23 : 9 : 5. 

Upon information of the State attorney against John Marsh, a cornet in a 
troop of horse under Capt. Moses Seymour, for disobedience of orders ; the 
committee found the facts true, as stated, and fouiid ihat he had recently taken 
the oath of fidelity, and declared his willingness to serve his country, risk his 
life and fortune in its defence, &c. Tlie Assembly ordered said Marsh to pay 
the cost, taxed at £8 : 14 : 5, and the complaint dismissed. 

Capt. John Lewis, Jr., complained of Ira Beebe, of Waterbury, a lieulenant 
of his company, for leading off a number of his company, in October, 1777, 
from Fishkill. Tlie Assembly ordered him to pay the cost that had arisen. 

Ralph Isaacs shewed, that he was executor of his father's and brother's wills, 
and that the property under the wills, as well as his own, were suffering by his 
confinement ; that he had taken the oath of fidelity, and had done much to aid 
the United States, and should continue to do so. The Assembly set said Isaacs 
at liberty. 

Timothy Beach was sentenced for one year, to the gaol in Windham, and a 
fine ofi^SO, and cost of prosecution taxed, at ,£16: 16:3; said Bcacli prayed 
to take the oath of fidelity, and be discharged from prison, which was granted. 
Samuel McLellan, of Woodstock, commanded a regiment from Connecticut, 
in the expidition against Rhode Island, and no part of the wages, mileage, &c., 
had been paid to his regiment. The Assembly directed the pay table to adjust 
and pay the same, 

Andrew Johnnot, of Boston, commissary general of forage for the eastern 
department, on the 16th of October, 1777, purchased of Absalom Williams, of 
Wethersfield, 50 tons of screwed hay, for the United States, at £7 : 10 per ton, 
to be delivered at Warehouse Point, at 18 shillings per ton for freight, l)esides 
carting, which said Williams refused to perform. The Assembly ordered siad 
Williams to deliver said hay for the United States, viz. : 10 tons in January, 
and the remainder of said 50 ions in March, as specified in said contract, on 
penally of ;C300 lawful money, in case of failure so to do. 

Gurdon Wetmore, a prisoner in Hartford gaol, asked to be released from said 
prison ; which was granted, by his taking the oath of fidelity, become bound 
with surety in the sum of .£500 for his good behavior, and not to do or say any 
thing against the State or the United States, during the time of his sentence, 
and not depart out of Middletown ; also paying all costs of prosecution and 
imprisonment. 

David Washburn, of New Milford, who was in gaol in Fairfield, under sen- 
tence of death for high treason, for going on board of an armed brig, owned by 
the British, and going on shore from said brig in Stamford with men under 
arms, against the people of this State ; in which he stated he did not go on 
board said brig with a design of taking up arms against his country, &c. ; and 
prayed that mercy might be extended to him, so far as to save his life. The 
Assembly extended the time of execution, and continued the petition to the 
(then) next Assembly, in May. 



304 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 

Samuel Lord ami David Morclionso, of Fairfield, were confined in the gaol 
at Norwich, and pctilion^pfc l)o released therefrom ; whicii was granted, by 
their giving their notes for the cost of prosecution, and remaining m the town 
of Fairfield, under the charge and care of the selectmen of said Fairfield. 

Amos Richards, in the year 1776, a soldier in Col. Wyllys' regiment, at New 
York, on the 20th day of July, was on guard at the fly market, in said city, and 
by accident lost his gun, and at I'eekskill lost his carlouch box; whicli were 
allowed to him by the Assembly. 

. Solomon Dill was released from gaol, and confined within the limits of Mid. 
dletown. 

Solomon Duel, of Litchfield, was wounded in both of his thighs, hy a ball, in 
the Danbury expedition. The Assembly allowed him .£60 for his relief. 

Jared Clark, of Saybrook, left the army at New York, (he being sick) and 
returned home. The Assembly allowed him his wages. 

Svivanus Mead, captain of tiie company of ranger?, asked tiie Assembly for 
an additional payment of .£4 each for his company, the same that had been 
allowed colonels Enos' and Ely's regiments for extra fatigue, &c.; which was 
granted by the Assembly, for their extra expenses out of the State. 

Samuel Clark, of Middletown, stated to the Assembly that he was one of the 
unfortunate men taken at fort Washington, by the British, and confined in New 
York until December, 1776, and then with others nearly dead, liberated on 
parole, and by the help of friends reached home, weak and feeble, and had 
expended .£9 : 12 : 2 for doctoring, &c. ; which sum was allowed him by the 
Assembly. 

The sum of $13 : 9 : 9 was allowed Aaron Kelsey, of Killingworth, a lieuten. 
ant in a regiment of militia, under Col. Cook, in the northern army, who was 
wounded September 19th, 1777, and returned home on furlough. 

Elijah Elmore, of Stratford, on the 10th of January, 1777, enlisted into the 
British service, and continued until the next November, when he escaped, and 
resigned himself to Gen. Parsons, and was committed to gaol, by the autiiority 
of Stratford, when he prayed the Assembly to pardon him ; which was granted 
by the Assembly, by his paying the cost which had arisen. 

Israel Rowland, of Redding, stated to the Assembly, that in April, 1777, he 
was induced to believe that the country would be conquered, and through fear 
only, he joined the troops of the enemy, and marched with them ; but upon 
seeing the proclamation of Gen. Putnam, ho returned on the 4lh of December, 
to Redding, and resigned himself to the authority, and not to Gen. Putnam ; 
that the authority committed him to gaol, as a prisoner. Upon which facts, he 
asked the Assembly to grant him a pardon, and set him at liberty, which was 
granted, hy said Rowland's paying the cost. 

Timothy Northam, of Colchester, shewed to the Assembly, that in the year 
1776, he enlisted under Capt. John Isliam, in Col. Chester's regiment, in public 
service at New York ; and on his return home, with some of his feilow soldiers 
from the pursuit of a party of the enemy near White Plains, he had both bones 
of his left leg broken, by the discharge of a musket, which shortened his leg 
three inches, and cost him £90. The Assembly directed tJie pay table to adjust 
his account, and pay the same. 

Joseph Porter, of Farmington, proved to the Assembly, that on the 2d day of 
January, 1777, his son Lott Porter, enlisted in Capt. Curtiss' company, under 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 305 

Col. Hooker, marched to Westchester, in the Slate of New York ; that'on the 
13th day of said January, wa>s v^ounded by tlie British, and taken prisoner and 
soon died; that he had in his hands $13, which the enemy look from him, and 
asked relief of tlie Assembly. The pay table were ordered to draw an order for 
said $13. 

Samuel Camp, of Durham, marched tlie 17lh day of August, 1776, as a 
lieutenant under Capl. Hicox, in Col. Baldwin's regiment, and in the pay 
abstract allowed one days pay for every twenty miles to return home, and was 
taken sick in Stamford ; prayed said Assembly to allow his wages for the time 
of his sickness, &c., being £3 : 15 : 7. The pay table were ordered to draw on 
the Treasurer for said sum. 

Nathan Dayton, of New Milford, represented to the Assembly, that at the com- 
mencement of the war, waged by the King of Great Britain, to establish tyranny 
over the American States, he was an active friend of the States ; but that in 
November, 1776, his mind was filled with gloomy apprehensions for the fate of 
his country, and many of his acquaintance, by stratagem, in magnifying the 
dangers, and by the strongest assurances of the safety and peace he might enjoy 
under the regulars, on Long Island, deluded said Dayton then to abscond to said 
Island, in the possession of the British, and place himself under their protection. 
But on his arrival at the enemy's, head quarters, on said Island, Col. Delancy, 
commander at said post, tyrannically compelled him to bear arms with the 
enemy, under pain of military execution ; that he escaped from his military 
bondage in November, 1776 ; and on his arrival in New Milford, the 9th of 
December, was arraigned before Samuel Canfield, Esq., by Thomas Hays, for 
his conduct, and committed to gaol in Litchfield ; for which he implored pardon 
of the Assembly. The Assembly directed, to stay all further prosecutions against 
said Dayton, but ordered that upon his taking the oath of fidelity, he should 
enjoy the rights of the subjects of this State, and on paying the whole costs of 
prosecution, be released from gaol. 

Solomon Leet, of Guilford, shewed to the Assembly, that on the 17th day of 
June, 1777, the enemies of the American States landed at Sachem's Head, in 
Guilford, and set fire to his dwelling housaand two large bams, which consumed 
the whole, with all his furniture, &c., which he had appraised by S. Brown, J. 
Elliott, and E. Hobson, with an inventory by them made, &c. ; and prayed the 
Assembly for liberty to lodge sai^ inventory on file. The Assembly ordered the 
same lodged on file, amounting to £522 : 7 : 7. 

Daniel Brown and John Parker, Jr., of Coventry, who enlisted in May, 1775, 
and marched to Cambridge, asked for their pay and wages. The pay table were 
ordered to adjust their accounts. 

Samuel Hawley, of Redding, who was imprisoned for joining the British, 
under the influence of the belief that the States would be subdued ; and on seeing 
the proclamation of Gen. Putnam, offering a pardon to such as should return 
home, and he immediately returned home. The Assembly ordered said Haw- 
ley released from his confinement, by his paying the cost of prosecution. 

The Assembly adjourned to the 12th of February, 1778. 



306 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 



GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 

ADJOURNED SESSION. 

At a General Assembly of the Governor and Company of tlie State 
of Connecticut, held at Hartford, on the 12th day of February, 
A.D. 1778. 

His Excellency Jonathan Trumbull, Governor. 

Hon. Matthew Griswold, Deputy Governor. 

Jabez Hamlin, Elisha Sheldon, Jabez Huntington, William Pitkin, Roger 
Sherman, Abraham Davenport, Richard Law, and William Williams, Esq'rs., 
Assistants, and present. 

An act was passed for the regulation of the prices of labor, produce, manu- 
factures, &;c. within the State. Congress having premised the necessity of re- 
ducing the quantity of circulating medium, in order to support its value, recom- 
mended to the States, in strong terms, to raise supplies to carry on the war by 
taxes ; to draw in and cancel all the bills of credit by each State emitted, small 
bills or change under a dollar excepted ; to refrain from further emissions, and 
appoint commissioners to meet in three divisions, to regulate and ascertain the 
prices of labor, manufactures, internal produce, and commodities imported from 
foreign parts. 

And the commissioners from New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Isl- 
and and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and 
Pennsylvania, met at New Haven, and agreed on a regulation of prices for said 
States, and reported their doings to said Assembly, which was accepted. 

The Assembly considered that the __quantity of the circulating medium would 
be in some measure reduced by the means aforesaid, which would tend to facili- 
tate the reduction of the unequal and exorbitant prices of articles, and put a 
stop to that growing and alarming evil, not only fraught with the greatest injus- 
tice to the States, but threatened the dissolution of the armies of our country, 
and ruin of the States, unless timely prevented by a vigorous exertion of the 
States, in carrying into execution the system of regulations required by Con- 



An act was passed, that the various kinds of labor of farmers, mechanics, 
and others, should not exceed the rate of 75 per cent, advance on the prices 
which they were respectively held at in the same places in the State, in the vari- 
ous seasons of the year, in 1774. Merchantable wheat, peas, and white beans, 
at 9 shillings and 9 pence per bushel ; rye or rye meal, 6 shillings and 6 pence 
per bushel ; oats, 3 shillings ; wheat flour, 27 shillings per hundred weight ; In- 
dian corn, 4 shillings and 6 pence per bushel ; pork well-fatted, weighing from 
100 to 150 pounds, 5i per pound — from 150 to 200 pounds per hog, 6 pence per 
pound, and weighing more than 200 pounds per hog, 6i per pound ; best Amer- 
ican cheese, 9 pence per pound ; best grass-fed beef with the hide and tallow. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 307 

35 shillings per hundred ; best stall-fed 48 shillings, and in proportion less for 
inferior qualities ; good firkin butter, 1 shilling and 3 pence ; fresh butter in 
small quantities, 1 shilling and 4 pence ; raw hides 4J ; well-tanned sole leather, 
2 shillings per pound ; skins and all kinds of curried leather in proportion ; men's 
good neat leather shoes, common sort, 12 shillings ; best calfskin, 15 shillings per 
pair ; women's and children's shoes in due proportion to the price of men's 
shoes ; blooming iron where made, £, 48 per ton, and in proportion for a 
less quantity ; pig iron, £, 16 per ton ; American steel for edge tools, 2 shil- 
lings per pound, common steel, 1 shilling and 4 pence ; good West India rum, 
by wholesale, 18 shillings \)er gallon ; molasses, 9 shillings per gallon ; beat mus- 
covado sugar, 10 pounds per hundred, gross ; other sugars in proportion ; coffee, 
not over 4 shillings and 6 pence per pound by the hundred ; good whisky, 7 shil- 
lings per gallon ; New England rum, Geneva brandy, and other distilled spirits, 
not to exceed 12 shillings per gallon, with the addition of cartage or transporta- 
tion. 

The price of team work, not to exceed 2 shillings and 6 pence for the carriage 
of 2,000 pounds net weight, per mile, including all expenses; and no kinds of 
home manufactures and internal produce, not enumerated, to be sold at prices 
exceeding 75 per cent, advance on the prices they were usually sold at in 1774. 
The price of hemp, flax, sheep's wool, woolen and linen cloths, stockings, felt 
hats, wire and wool cards, manufactured in America, not to be sold at more than 
double the price they sold for in 1774. Salt, made here, not over 27 shillings 
per bushel. No goods, wares, or merchandize imported by capture or otherwise, 
not before stated, to exceed the rate of one dollar, continental currency, for each 
shilling sterling, prime cost of such goods in Europe, or other foreign country 
where purchased, exclusive of other charges where sold by the importer or cap- 
tors, excepting woolen and linen goods, and checks suitable for the army ; broad- 
cloths, not over 7 shilUngs sterling per yard, and other woolen cloths in propor- 
tion in value ; holland and checks of all kinds, not over 2 shillings per yard, 
prime cost in Europe ; drugs and medicines, duck of all kinds, cordage, tin plates, 
copperas, alum, files, brimstone, felt hats, nails, window glass, salt, wire, steel, 
wool, and cotton cords, naval and military stores. That all woolen cloths, blan- 
kets, linens, shoes, stockings, hats, and other articles of clothing suitable for the 
army, before imported, which should be seized by authority, for the use of the 
army, should be estimated at the rate of one dollar, continental currency, or 
cash, one shilling sterling prime cost of such goods in Europe, with the stated 
allowance for land carriage. If prime cost was not known, then to be ap- 
praised, &c. 

It was enacted, that all venders of imported articles, should produce an authen- 
tic invoice of prime cost ; and when on trial for over-selling, should be judged 
guilty, unless he could shew by such invoice, or other sufficient evidence, he was 
not guilty. To sell no goods above 25 per cent, over the price of the importer, 
with price of transporting, not exceeding the price of land carriage aforesaid. 
No innholder to receive more than 50 per cent, advance on the wholesale price 
of his liquors, or other foreign articles before stated, and by him sold in small 
quantities, with the addition of land carriage, or any other articles of entertain-' 
ment, refreshment, or forage, more than at the rate of 75 per cent, advance upon 
the price the same were held at in 1774. 



308 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 

It was also enacted, tha^Uie price of labor, charges of innholders, and the 
prices of such articles of ABffican produce and manufactures as were not stated 
in the act, should be ascertained by the civil authority and selectmen in the 
towns, according to the portions in the act prescribed, who were to make lists of 
such articles, with the prices, and lodge said lists with the town clerks, by the 
20th of March, 1778 ; and no article was to be sold for a higher price than was 
stated in said list. And it was provided, that whosoever should ask or receive 
for labor, or any of the articles enumerated in the act, more than at the sate sta- 
ted, either in bills of credit of this State or of the United States, or by way of 
barter or exchange, should forfeit for each article contracted for at a sum not 
exceeding 40 shilhngs, a penalty of 40 shillings ; and if for a greater sum than 
40 shillings, a penalty equal to the price received for such labor done or article 
sold. And if convicted, and unable to pay the penalty, the court were empow- 
ered to dispose of such person in service on board any armed vessel of this State, 
or in any regiment raised for the defence of the State, for a time sufficient to pay 
the same ; and also be incapable of holding any office, civil or military, in the 
State, or maintaining any suit at law, or taking out any executions. 

It was also enacted, that no person in the State should commence any suit in 
law or equity in any court, after the 20th day of March, 1778, while said act 
continued in force, until he had taken an oath, that neither himself or his agents, 
had received, or contracted to receive for any labor or articles sold in this State, 
after the 20th of March aforesaid, more than at the rates or prices fixed by law ; 
and a certificate thereof endorsed on the writ, without which said writ should 
abate. Provided, if any person had been guilty of a breach of said act, (and 
not prosecuted,) he should go before authority, under oath, and render an account 
of all labor done, or articles sold over the stated price, and pay double of such 
surplus to said authority. Proof of probable guilt was made sufficient evidence 
to convict, unless the criminal should make oath that he was not guilty of the 
facts charged against him. It was also provided, that property impressed for the 
army should be paid for at the aforesaid prices. 

The Legislature were informed that many selfish and evil minded tories con- 
tinucd clandestinely to trade with the enemy, endangering tlip liberties and 
safety of the States ; to prevent which, it was provided by said Assembly, that 
no person should at any time, pass from any town in Connecticut to Long 
Island, or any other island or place in possession of tiie British, without a 
license in writing, under the hands of tlie selectmen of the town, and one 
assistant or justice of the peace, on penally of ;C100 lawful money ; and if the 
offender sliould be unable, or refuse lo pay the fine, said court were directed to 
bind over said convict, to serve in any military company raised for the defence 
of the State, or on board of any ship of war of the United Stales, without 
bounty or wages, or confined in gaol, at the court's discretion, not exceeding 
one year. 

It was farther provided, that no such license should be given until the appli- 
cant had given iiond, with surety, lo the Stale Treasurer, in the penal sum of 
i;400, with conditions that he should not carry with him any moneys, wares, 
goods, or merchandise, to carry on any trade with the enemy, or any other 
person, on any of the islands or places within the enemy's lines or possession ; 
or buy any such wares, goods, &c., at or on any of said islands or places, or 
import the same into this State or the United Stales, during the war. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 309 

II was also provided, that when any wares, jroods, &,<•,, should be found in 
this State, imported from Long Island, or any other of said islands and places; 
such goods, &.C., should be the properly of the finder of said property, and he 
seized b}' warrant, at the expense of such finder, &,c., and bo proceeded against 
as provided in case of captures taken from tiie enemy on the sea ; and if taken 
on the sound, within the enemy's lines, or coming from any of the said islands, 
contrary to this law, they were made lawful prizes to the captors, and subject 
to be libelled. And the selectmen of the towns in this State, with the advice 
of one assistant or justice of the peace, wore auliiorized to seize and secure any 
vessel, boat, skiff, or other water craft they should have reason to suspect was 
intended for carrying on any of the evil practices forbidden by the law; which 
act was not intended to extend to prevent any friendly refugee from the islands 
aforesaid, resident in this State, from bringing his effects left on said islands, or 
the produce of his farm, having first procured a license therefor. 

Congress, on the 22d of November, 1777, recommended to this Slate, to raise 
during the year 1778, by taxes, for the use of the United States, for the sup. 
plies of the war, the sum of ^GOO.OdO, though not to be considered as the 
proportion of this Slate; but when paid, to bo placed to the credit of the State, 
at 6 per cent, interest, from the time of its payment, until the respective quota 
should be finally adjusted by Congress, agreeable to the confederation to bo 
adopted and ratified by the States ; all which was approved by the Assembly. 
And to carry the same into effect, said Assembly laid a tax of 1 shilling on the 
pound, on the list of polls and rateable estates given in 1777, to be paid into the 
treasury by the 1st of June, 1778. And a further tax of 1 sliilling on the pound 
on said list, and paid into the treasury by the 1st of November, 1778. Provided 
for the relief of the indigent, who should be unable to [lay their proportion, that 
the authority and selectmen were directed to abate the whole or part of the 
taxes of such indigent persons who should most need such abatements, to the 
amount of one.tweniieth part of such town's quota of said taxes. The Assem- 
bly directed the Stale Treasurer to pay to the order of Congress, $600,000 of 
the money that should be brought into the treasury by said taxes, and debit the 
same in the account of the United Slates. 

It was enacled by the Assembly, that no bills of credit, emitted by order of 
said Assembly, except bills under the value of one dollar, should be current in 
any payment, trade, or dealing in this State, after the 20th day of March, 1778, 
except in the State treasury, or in payment of public taxes, or received into the 
treasury after the 1st day of July, 1778, except from persons in the army, or 
absent from the State, in which cases they were receivable until the Isl day of 
November, 1778. It was also provided, that the possessors of said bills, on 
delivering them into the treasury within the time limited aforesaid, should 
receive the Treasurer's promissory notes, or bills emitted on the credit of the 
United Stales, in exchange therefor. And the Treasurer was authorized to 
issue such notes, payable in one year after dale, at 6 per cent, interest, of like 
form and tenor of those issued in May, 1777 ; the amount of which notes were 
ordered, by said Assembly, not to exceed the sum of £235,000, and none of 
them for a less sum than £10. 

Representation was made to the Assembly, that several persons in Ihe State, 
under the law where any two men were allowed to hire a recruit, during the 
war, or for three years, and be exempt from detachments, &,c., had in a 
10 



310 RKVOLUTIONAKY WAR, 1778. 

fraudulent manner, prosumec^ procure to enlist prisoners of war, who belonged 
to the British fleet or army^^nd stationed in this State ; to prevent which it 
was enacted, that no person should be so exempted on account of any soldier 
or recruit thereafter procured to enlist, until he should procure a duplicate 
written certificate, under the hand of a recruiting officer, specifying the name, 
and place of abode of the recruit, so to enlist, the lime of his enlistment, &c., 
nor until such certificate should be delivered to the commanding officer of the 
military company to which such exempted person belonged, nor in any casa 
whore sucli recruit should appear to have been, at the time of his enlistment, a 
prisoner of war, or belonging to the British army or navy. 

The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, proposed by Congress, to 
he entered into by the thirteen United States of America, was laid before the 
Assembly, by the Governor, read and considered. It was resolved, as the 
opinion of said Assembly, that said articles, in general, appeared to be well 
adapted to cement and preserve the union of said States, to secure their freedom 
and independence, and promote their general welfare ; but that with some 
amendments they might bo rendered more perfect, equitable, and satisfactory. 
And the delegates of this Slate were, by said resolution, instructed to propose 
to the consideration of Congress, the following amendments, viz. : 1st. That 
in the 8lh article, as a rule for determining each State's proportion of the com- 
mon expense, instead of the value of I ho lands, buildings, &c., as expressed in 
said article, be inserted, the number of inhabitants in each State; this being in 
the opinion of litis Assembly, a more certain, equitable, and peaceable rule than 
the other. Traders and manufacturers who employ and sujiport great numbers 
of inhabitants, being sources of wealth to a State, as well as the produce of 
lands ; besides it beiii^ very difficult, if not impossible to obtain such an esti. 
mate of the value of the lands and buildings in the United States, as would do 
justice or give satisfaction to the several States. 2d. That next after the 5th 
paragraph, in the 9th article, be inserted the following clause, viz. : Provided 
thai no land army shall be kept up by the United Stales, in time of peace, nor 
any officers or prisoners kept in pay by them, who are not in actual service, 
except such as are or may be rendered unable to support themselves, by wounds 
received in battle in the service of said States, agreeable to the provision 
already made by a resolution of Congress. The said amendments were approved 
of in substance, and the form left to Congress to adopt. And as other amend- 
ments might be proposed by other States, and as it was highly necessary and 
expedient for the welfare and security of the Slates that the articles of confede- 
ration should be finally concluded and ratified as soon as possible ; it was 
resolved, that the delegates of this State, who should be present in Congress 
should be and were fully authorized and empowered, in behalf of Connecticuti 
to agree to, and ratify the said articles of confederation, with such amendments, 
if any should be, as by them, in conujnction with the delegates of the other 
States in Congress, should be thought proper. 

It was enacted to raise two brigades in Connecticut, by voluntary enlistment ; 
six battalions to be held in constant readiness, to march on the shortest notice, 
upon any tour of duty wherever the militia were liable to be called. Each bat- 
talion to consist of eight companies, and each company of 90 men, including 
officers; each field officer to command a company; each company (except the 
field officers) to bo commanded by 1 captain, and each company to have 2 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778, 311 

lieutenants and 1 ensign, 4 sargeants, 4 corporals, 1 drummer, and 1 fiTor ; each 
battalion to be commanded by 1 colonel, 1 lieutenant colonel, and 1 major. 
The fi(!!d officers of each battalion to nominate tlie commissioned officers and 
staff of their battalion, oat of such as had borne like commissions; and to ho 
appointed to each battalion, 1 adjutant, 1 quarter master, 1 surgeon, 1 sargeant 
major, and quarter master sargeant ; and the whole formed into two brigades, 
each under a brigadier general, appointed by the Assembly. The non-commis. 
sioned officers and soldiers, who should enlist into said battalions, and furnish 
themselves with a gun and bayonet, cartouch box, blanket, and knapsack, should 
receive therefor a premium of 10 shillings for a gun and bayonet, 2 shillings for 
a cartouch box, 16 shillings for a blanket, and 2 shillings for a knapsack. The 
brigadier general to appoint a brigade major in each brigade ; and ouch able 
bodied recruit entitled to a bounty of ;C3 : 10, exclusive of previous allowance, 
and 20 shillings per callendar month during his continuance in said service 
when not on duty ; and all commissioned, non-commissioned, and staff officers 
to have half pay, when not on duty ; and when called out on duty, to have the 
same wages, pay, and rations as the continental troops raised in the State were 
entitled ; and if called and while in service out of the tetate, to Iho same refresh- 
ments as continental troops, and their polls exempt from taxes during their 
continuance in said battalions; said battalions to be kept up until the 1st day 
of March, 1779, 'unless sooner discharged. Each company to be called out for 
exercise once in 15 days, and the battalions called out for exercise three times 
in a year, with the same wages and rations when called out as aforesaid, in 
actual service ; that said battalions should not be continued in service, at any 
one time, longer than three months from the time they should arrive at the 
place of their destination ; said battalions to be under the articles of war, formed 
by this State, when called into service ; to be furnished with cartridges by the 
captain of each cosnpany, as occasion might require ; each regiment to have 
one ammunition wagon ever ready for use, and each company, a baggage cart 
or wagon, tents, camp equipage, &.c. ; the captain made accountable for the 
tents to the towns, and for baggage carts and camp equipage of his company to 
be liable to the Treasurer of the State. Also to raise two companies of artillery, 
of 50 men in each company, including officers, to be raised one company out of 
each brigade, with the same pay^ wages, &,c., as other matross companies, the 
same premium, under the same regulations, as to pay, and tours of duty, as the 
said battalions. Each company to have 1 captain lieutenant, I lieutenant, 1 
lieutenant fire worker, 4 sargeants, 4 corporals, 1 drummer, and 1 lifer; each 
company to have 4 field pieces, 1 ammunition wagon, and horses to draw them, 
to beiong one company to each brigade aforesaid. Said battalions to be subject to 
the orders of the Assembly, the Governor, and other superior officers. Provided 
that if said battalions should not be filled up within a reasonable time, the 
Governijr and Council of Safety were empowered to discharge so many of the 
commissioned officers as should be supernumerary, in proportion to the privates, 
under the rule adopted by (Congress, and allow their wages until so discliarged. 
A resolution passed, allowing bills of credit of the United States to be 
received by the Treasurer of the State, in filling the loan ordered, for calling 
in and sinking the bills of credit of the State, and to exchange the same for 
bills of Connecticut. 



312 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 

The committee oCpay taU«^'erc onlerncl to setlle llie accounts of tlie soldiers 
made prisoners on Long Island, fori Wasiiingloii, and places adjacent, while in 
service oflho United Stales, and who relumed iiome between ti)c 1st of Novem- 
ber, 1776, and the 1st day of February, 1777, who were sick with the small 
pox, or other disorders soon after their return, by disease which originated in 
service or in prison, with expense of sickness. 

At tlie January session, 1778, sundry companies of artillery were ordered to 
be raised for the garrisons at New London, Groton, &c., to defend the sea coast, 
and having found such companies could not be raised according to Iho plan then 
adopted ; the Assembly ordered, that the company of 50 men ordered for 
Groton and Stonington, should bo stationed at Groton, with the same number 
of non-commissioned officers as were stationed there in 1777 ; and tliat an addi. 
tional number of 20 men, including 1 sargeant and 1 corporal, commanded by 
1 lieutenant, should be raised for the fort at Stonington, under the same rules, 
&,c., as those ordered raised in January aforesaid ; with a bounty of ^£4 to each 
non-commissioned officer and private who should enlist, and be furnished, as 
provided in January aforesaid ; and some proper person appointed to command 
at the forts at New London, Groton, and Stonington, with the rank and pay of 
major, to superintend the works, give orders about military stores and tools in 
said fortifications, and to continue in service until January, 1779. The Gover- 
nor and Council of Safety to appoint said officers, and carry said resolution info 
full effect. 

Col. Joseph Thomson, of the 2d regiment of militia, was directed immediately 
to order a guard of 20 men for the defence of New Haven, to bo drafted from 
the companies in said regiment, to be under 1 lieutenant, 1 sargeant, and 1 
corporal, under the direction of Col. Thomson; and Jonathan Fitch, Esq., com. 
missary, was directed (o supply them with provisions, to be continued in service 
until the 1st of April, 1778, unless sooner discharged. 

Joseph Spencer, Esq., was appointed a member of the Council of Safety, 
until the rising of said Assembly, in May, (then) next, in the place of Titus 
Hosmcr, resigned. 

Maj. Thomson, commanding officer of a continental battalion, stationed at 
Farmington, and under marching orders, to proceed to the Saw Pitts, in the 
State of New York, informed the Governor, that said battalion was destitute of 
monej', and many articles of clothing necessary for their niarch ; and suggested 
the difficulties of marching without a sum of money, and the necessary articles 
of clothing from the State. The Assembly finding that said battalion had but 
recently received an ample supply of clothing, except stockings, shoes, and 
shirts ; and that the men would probably soon receive their pay, or so much as 
would be necessary to procure said articles, and assist them on their march ; 
the Governor was therefore requested to write to the commanding officer of 
said battalion, upon the subject, informing him that he expects him to march 
said l)attalion to the p'acc of destination, according to his order, as soon as the 
circumstances of said battalion would allow, and to excite him to surmount 
every obstacle that might hinder the necessary service required. And the 
Governor and Council of Safety were authorized (if necessary) to afford such aid 
as they might judge expedient, to expedite the march, and charge the expenses 
to the United States. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 313 

The authority and powers of the Governor, were vested in the Lieutenant 
Governor, in the absence of tlie Governor, and devolved upon tiic Deputy 
Governor and Council of Safety, to be executed. 

A committee was appointed in the year 1775, to work the ore at the lead mine 
at Middletowrti, and the sum of £500 appropriated for that purpose ; but the 
Assembly were informed that the manufacture of said ore was unprofitable to 
the State. The committee were therefore directed to discontinue any farther 
smelting of lead at said mine, after having finished the ore, then on hand. 

The General Assembly, in October, 1777, ordered £5250, in bills of 2 pence, 
3 pence, 4 pence, 5 pence, and 7 pence, 60,000 bills of each to be issued ; and 
appointed John Chester and others, a committee to sign said bill.s, without fee or 
reward. And with such pay, it was found burdensome ; therefore the Assembly 
added to said committee. Col. Isaac Lee, Maj. Gad Stanly, Mr. Pierpont Ed- 
wards, Mr. Ezra Brownson, Ephraim Root, Constant Southworth, Lynd Lord, 
Reuben Smith, Esq., Mr. Thomas Hayes, Maj. Hezekiah Bissell, Col. C. Sage, 
and Joseph Webb, to assist in signing said bills, without fees for said service. 

It was resolved by the Assembly, that Richmond Berry, Philip Buck, Tho- 
mas Silk, Edward Hicks, Edward Hicks, Jr., John Young, Jacob Bowman, 
Adam Bowman, Jr., Jacob Brenner, John Henry Short, Henry Hover, John 
Hover, Nicholas Philips, Nicholas Philips, Jr., John Philips, Jacob Anguish, 
George Rentner, and Frederick Frank, who were taken in arms against the 
United States, by the militia of Westmoreland, and sent to the deputy com- 
missary general of prisoners in this State, were ordered, received, and treated 
as prisoners of war : Provided that nothing in the aforesaid resolve, should be 
construed to excuse said prisoners from any treasonable oft'ence against the 
laws of other States. 

A resolution passed to immediately raise a company, consisting of 1 subaltern, 
3 sargeants, and 30 privates, by voluntary enlistment, to guard the treasury and 
loan office, the secretary and pay table offices, agreeable to an order from the 
Treasurer, Secretary, and committee of pay table ; to receive half pay, and be 
exempt from other military duty, while continued in service, and to continue in 
said service until the 1st day of June, 1778. 

By a letter from Gen. Parsons, of the 27th of February, 1778, stating that a 
number of teams were absolutely necessary, for the transportation of provisions 
from the line of the State of New York, to King's Ferry, and other places on 
the North river, for the use of the troops under Gen. Washington, which could 
not be procured in the ordinary way. The Assembly therefore resolved, that 
upon application made by Gen. Parsons, to any assistant or justice of the peace, 
in Fairfield or Litchfield counties, praying that teams might be impressed, &c., 
that warrants should be issued to impress such number of teams as Gen. Parsons 
should direct, and apply to the quarter master general for payment of the ex- 
penses. 

It was resolved, that each lieutenant, adjutant, and quarter master in the regi- 
ments of Gol's. Enos and Ely, (who were ordered out of this State, and subjected 
to great hardships and expense,) should receive the sum of £6 ; and each ensign 
the sum of ^5, for their extraordinary marches and expenses. 

The three regiments of light horse of this State, west of Connecticut river, 
marched in the summer of 1776, under Lieut. Col. Thomas Seymour, to aid 
the continental army then at New York, for which service they had received no 



314 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 

pay. The Assembly directed Col. Seymour, forthwith, to procure from the cap- 
tains of each troop in said^^iments, a pay roll of the troop while in service, 
and make a pay abstract, and present the same to the commander-in-chief of 
the continental army, or other proper officer, for acceptance and payment, and 
pay over the same to the captain of each troop, and by said captain to be paid 
to the troops in their several companies their several dues. 

The Assembly appointed Roger Enos, Esq., colonel ; Howell Woodbridge, 
lieutenant colonel ; and Abel Pease, major, of one of the six battahons, to be 
raised for the defence of the State and United States. 

Thaddeus Cook, colonel ; James Arnold, lieutenant colonel ; and Abraham 
Tyler, major, of one of said battalions. 

Samuel Mott, colonel; Nathan Gallop, lieutenant Colonel; and Joshua Hun- 
tington, major, of one of said battalions. 

John Mead, colonel; Ely Mygatt, lieutenant colonel; and Eteazer Curtiss, 
major, of one of said battalions. 

Noadiah Hooker, colonel ; Seth Smith, lieutenant colonel ; and Bezaleel Re- 
bec, major, of one of said battalions. 

Samuel McLellan, colonel ; Thomas Brown, lieutenant colonel ; and Levi 
Welles, major, of one of said battalions. 

It was found by the As^mbly, that the transporting of private property, the 
goods and effects of particular persons from place to place, in and through this 
State, had greatly increased and employed so large a number of oxen, as was 
likely to lessen the business of agriculture, particularly the raising of grain and 
provisions, and shorten the supply of beef for the use of the army. To prevent 
which, it was enacted, that after the 1st day of April, 1778, no private property, 
(i. e.) no goods, wares, merchandise, or effects, not the property of the United 
States, or any of the States, unless by the order of some lawful officer of the 
State or the United States, should be transported fi-om place to place in this 
State, or through the same, by any inhabitants, or oxen owned in this State, in 
or on any wagon, cars, carts, or carriages, wherein should be used more than 
one pair of oxen, on penalty of forfeiting all such goods, &c. as aforesaid, and 
all oxen more than one pair. It was made the duty of all continental officers 
and other persons, who should employ any teams or carriages for tansporting 
goods, &;c., where more than one pair of oxen were used, to furnish the driver of 
such team, or the conductor of any number of teams, where more than one yoke 
should be employed, with a written permit, signed with the name and office, 
date and time when given, place from and to which, such goods were destined, 
the owner and number of teams employed therein ; without which no team was 
allowed to pass in this State. It was made the duty of grand jurors and consta- 
bles of the towns, and of freeholders, who had taken the oath of fidelity, to in- 
quire and take up any such suspected teams, and make due inquiry of the dri- 
vers or conductors of such teams, as to the ownership, ire. of such goods and 
teams ; and if it should be found that said goods, &c., were transported contrary 
to said law, the court before whom an examination should be had, was to give 
orders for the safe keeping of such goods, and all oxen, more than one pair as 
aforesaid. And it was the duty of such court, to certify all the proceedings to 
the next county court, in the county where said teams were stopped ; and if np 
person appeared at said court to claim said oxen, &:c., or satisfy the court that 
said goods, &c., were, when seized, transporting within the liberty of this law ; 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 315 

such court should sentence said goods and oxen forfeited to the Treasurer of the 
State, and one-half to be paid the informer, (all costs first deducted,) and sold 
by the sheriff, &c., at public vendue, or as said court should direct. It was also 
provided, that in case such driver or conductor should neglect or refuse to pro- 
duce his permit, when required, no costs should be allowed him on the trial of 
his case. Which said act was not t.o extend to teams transporting masts, mill 
stones, iron ore, and pig iron, wood, or to any person using his own or neigh- 
bor's oxen in or about his usual and lawful business within the town where he 
resided, or carrying his provisions to market to a convenient town, for the use 
of such town, or returning home with such effects as he should have occasion 
to carry ; which act was to continue in force until the rising of the Assembly, 
to be he.'d in May, 1778, 

Amos Hubbell, and others, shewed the Assembly, that the guard of 25 men, 
under Lieut. Aaron Hawley, stationed at Newfield, in Stratford, had been con- 
fined in a place illy calculated to discover the enemy, or prevent their landing, 
should they attempt ; and that great uneasiness had been given to the inhabitants 
at Newfield ; and prayed that a sargeant's guard might be appointed, and sta- 
tioned on the sound, near the dividing line between Fairfield and Stratford ; and 
that said Hawley and his company should be dismissed. The Assembly directed 
the colonel of the 4th regiment to order a sargeant's guard stationed in the most 
convenient place, near said dividing line, on the sound, and continue there durinw 
the pleasure of the Assembly. And said Hawley was directed to deliver the 
two field pieces, and public stores in his custody, to the commanding ofiicers of 
the 4th regiment, when said Hawley and his party were to be dismissed. 

Maj. Thomas Bull complained against cornet Asahel Hays and cornet William 
Wadsworth, for disobedience of orders. The Assembly dismissed said Hays 
and said Wadsworth from office, with costs, being £11 : 11 :2. 

Capt. Eliphalet Curtiss complained against Lieut. Elijah Case, for desertion, 
&c. The Assembly cashiered said Case, and ordered him to pay the cost, 
taxed at £5 : 9. 

Samuel Chapman, Esq., colonel of the 22d regiment of militia, in this State, 
complained against Paul Blodget, captain of the 6th company, in said regiment; ^ L »,/.-, 
stating that said Blodget, when ordered into public service near New York, in ' 

the year 1777, attempted to desert said service, and occasioned uneasiness in 
said company, &c. The Assembly ordered said Blodget cashiered of his office, 
and to pay the cost, taxed at 13 shillings, lawful money. And the colonel was 
directed to lead the company to the choice of another captain. 

The town of Guilford, stated to the Assembly, that in pursuance of a recom- 
mendation of the Assembly, in October, 1776, they, at the expense of said town, 
set guards, equal in respect to time and numbers, to 51 men, eight months, and 
prayed relief therefor. The Assembly ordered paid to the selectmen of said 
Guilford, to defray said expenses, the wages and rations of 2 lieutenants, 2 sar- 
geants, 4 corporals, and 43 privates, for four months, and the rations estimated 
at 8 pence per ration. 

The sum of £21 : 2 : 6 was allowed Lemuel Deming, for expenses of the sick- 
ness of his son, with the small pox and dysentery, in the army, in the year 1777. 

James Hinman and Israel Burritt, of Durham, were employed in October, 1777, 
by the seletmen of Durham, to transport articles of clothing to the companies of 
captains Robinson, Camp, and Norton, in the regiment then commanded by 



316 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 



Lieut. Col. Baldwin, at FishkUl ; for which services they asked couipensatioii of 
the Assembly ; and the pay^iffie were ordered to adjust their accounts, and give 
orders for the payment thereof. 

Joshua Stone, who was confined in New York as a spy, and escaped, and 
was apprehended in Stamford, tried, imprisoned, and fined £20. The Asscm. 
bly ordered the release of said Stone from prison, on his taking the oath of 
fidelity, and paying the State Treasurer ;C30 lawful money, and enlist into the 
continental army, in any regiment raised by the State, to serve during the war, 
or for three years. 

Michael Towsley, of Suffield, asked the Assembly to remunerate him for ;C20 
of public money burned in his mother's house, which was allowed him. 

On the memorial of the inhabitants of the town of Fairfield, it was shewn, 
that the British troops, on their march to Danbury, plundered a great number 
of families of every thing in their houses, that was subject of plunder, as well 
as their cattle, horses, and teams, and took the same away with them ; whereby 
some persons were reduced to abject poverty and distress, who previously had 
lived comfortably, <fcc., prayed the Assembly for some allowance. The Assem- 
bly appointed Col. Thomas Fitch and Thaddeus Betts, Es-q., of Norwalk, and 
Lemuel Sanford, Esq., of Redding, a committee to enquire and estimate the 
losses of each individual in said Fairfield, by the British troops on their route 
to Danbury, and report the same. 

David Manvill, Jesse Tuttle, and Ephrairn Warner, of Waterbury, stated to 
the Assembly, (hat they had been induced to join the enemy, and served them 
until November, 1777, when they escaped, returned, and were committed to 
prison, and prayed the Assembly to be pardoned therefor. The Assembly 
granted a pardon to each of them, and allowed them to receive so much of their 
goods as consisted in household furniture, and tools of their trades, from the 
ofllicers who held them in custody, notwithstanding seizure and condemnation, 
by their paying all costs that had arisen. 

The Assembly allowed Edward Hinman, Esq., i;22:16:9 for taking care of 
nine prisoners of war, sent to the committee of inspection at Woodbury, by the 
Committee of Safety of the State of New York, on the 22d day of Octo- 
ber, 1776. 

Samuel Dickcrman and George Dudley, of New Haven, shewed to the 
Assembly, that in pursuance of orders, in August, 1776, they marched to New 
York, for the defence of that city, under Capt. Goodyear, in Col. Thomson's 
regiment, and did their duty in their stations while in New York ; and that 
during the cannonade, they were ordered to take care of a sick soldier of said 
company, which they did in great hazard to themselves ; that they attempted to 
get .«!aid sick soldier into some hospital or private house, both of which they 
failed in a(!complishing; and as they supposed his recovery depended on his 
returning home, they procured a carriage, and conveyed him home, &c. ; in 
consequence of which they were returned as deserters, and deprived of their 
wages, &c. The Assembly ordered the pay table to examine and adjust their 
account of wages, and draw on the Treasurer for payment. 

Moses and Patience Northrop and Eunice Northrop, siiewcd the Assembly, 
that said Patience and Eunice were confined in Litchfield gaol, upon suspicion 
of treason against the State, and prayed to be admitted to bail ; which was 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 317 

granted, by each of lliem giving bail, with good sureties, for tlio sum of £200 
lawful money, in the usual manner. 

Cornelius Higgins, Jr., of East lladdam, an ensign in captain Tyler's com- 
pany, under Col. J. Huntington, in 1776, shewed the Assembly, that by the 
fortune of war he was made a prisoner on the 27th day of August, 1776, and 
so continued until the 13lh day of April, 1777 ; during which time ho was robbed 
of his watch, and some money, and expended a considerable sum for iiis sup. 
port, and asked the Assembly for allowance. The Assembly allowed him 
£11 : 10 lawful money. 

The selectmen of Preston, shewed the Assembly, that on the 13th day of 

January, 1777, one Matthias Button, a soldier in Capt. J. Brewster's company, 

under Col. Huntington, arrived in I'reslon from his captivity in New York, 

having been taken on Long Island, in an action with the Brilisii troops, on tho 

27th of August, 1776, who was sent out of New York in a flag of truce ship, 

and landed at Milford, and on his return vvas taken sick with the small pox in 

said Preston, and was taken care of until he died, and the said town had 

expended £16:0:9 in doctoring, nursing, &c. The pay table were directed, 

by the Assembly, to adjust said account, and charge the same to the United 

States. 

y Jonathan Bill, of Lebanon, informed the Assembly, that he was a soldier 

/ under Col. Arnold, in the expedition against Quebec, in the year 1775, that his 

/ captain, and all the officers of the company were killed, and taken prisoners in 

'^ the unsuccessful attempt made upon that city, in December, 1775, and he only 

escaped with the loss of his clothing, arms, &c., while assisting to carry off the 

wounded ; and by the death of all the officers, no pay roll had been or could be 

made for said company ; and prayed the Assembly to pay him his wages, and 

make compensation for his losses in his tedious and distressing service. The 

Assembly ordered the pay table to adjust said account for wages and losses, and 

charge the same in the account against the United States. 

Jehial Bryan, of Milford, shewed the Assembly, that on or about the 20th of 
March, 1776, the inspection committee of Milford, received intelligence that a 
, sloop had come to an anchor, at Oyster river, and that he was desired to muster 
and march 20 men to said place, in a stormy night ; that he did so, and took 
possession of said sloop, which had on board a quantity of pork, &c., (contrary 
to the embargo act,) to transport to the West Indies; that he took said sloop 
into the port of New Haven ; and at a special county court, held on the 22d of 
April, 1776, forfeited to the treasury of this State, (the cargo of said sloop) 22^ 
barrels of pork, 60 barrels and 20 tierces of flour. The Assembly ordered £13 
lawful money to be paid said Bryan by tho Treasurer. 

Noah Skinner, of Coventry, was enlisted 7th of May, 1775, and served a 
campaign under Capt. J. Putnam, Jr., in Gen. Putnam's regiment, at Cam. 
bridge, for which he had received no pay, which was allowed him by the 
Assembly. 

John Morehouse, of Danbury, stated to the Assembly, that when the British 
troops went into Danbury, he through surprise, joined them and went away 
with them, but soon made his escape, and returned home, and was committed to 
gaol ; and prayed pardon for the offence, which was granted him, by his taking 
the oath of^delity, and paying the cost of prosecution. 
41 



318 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 

Doct. Jonathan Havens, Stephen Ilowell, and others, rofugeos from Long 
Island, (Ihcn residing in taffstate) shewed to the Assembly, that at the time 
the British troops took Long Island, they came into this State, with their 
families for protection ; that they left much of their eflFccts in the hands of their 
friends to be secreted and sold as they could, and the avails sent to them for 
the support of their families; that by permission they went to said Island to 
bring to Connecticut, some part of what their friends had saved from the enemy, 
or the avails thereof, if sold, of their stock and grain, which they received ia 
small parcels of tea, linen, and woolen cloth, &-c., for the use of their families, 
which was their all, which they brought to Saybrook, in a small boat, to the 
house of one Harris ; when and where one White, a lieutenant in the continental 
frigate, called the Trumbull, and one Combs, a commander of a whale boat, and 
other associates, seized said effects, and by force carried them off, and refused 
to deliver the same to the petitioners; for which relief was asked of the Assem. 
bly. The Assembly appointed William Noyes, Samuel Field, and Ezra Selden, 
Esq'rs., with full powers, as speedily as might be, to notify all parties concerned, 
enquire into the case, and report to the Assembly, or in their recess to the 
Governor and Committee of Safety ; said committee were also directed to take 
into their custody all said effects, taken from the petitioners, by Combs, White, 
and others. 

The Assembly adjourned si7ie die. 




oF®Mi:v:iifmiv,M .' ^PjEiWMf:iB].0]I,ji.. 



GovernoV of CojiufoUcut t'roiu 1-709 \<) 178?^. 



BRIEF MEMOIR OF 



HIS EXCELLENCY 



JONATHAN TRUMBULL 



John Trumbull, the ancestor of the Trumbull family in this 
State, is said to have emigrated from Cumberland county, in 
England, and settled in Rowly, in Massachusetts : His second 
son, John Trumbull, (or Trumble) was a gentleman of distinc- 
tion. He removed to Suffield, now in this State, (but then claim- 
ed by Massachusetts.) He had three sons, viz : John, Joseph, 
and Benoni. John was a clergyman of distinction in Watertown, 
in Connecticut. His son John was the author of McFingal and 
other valuable productions. Benoni was a clergyman, at Hebron, 
in this State. His son Benjamin Trumbull, D. D., was the histo- 
rian, to whom this State is so much indebted for his early history 
of Connecticut : — He was a settled clergyman at North Haven. 
Joseph, the second son of John Trumbull, of SufReld, was a 
merchant at Lebanon ; and the first Governor Trumbull was 
the son of Joseph Trumbull, of Lebanon, and was there born, 
June 12, O. S., 1710. He was educated at Harvard College, 
where he graduated in 1 727, with the honors of the Institution, 
in reward of his industry and talents. Modest, yet accomplished 
in his mind and demeanor, he was fully qualified to become a 
useful member of society, and conspicuous in any business that 
should occupy his gigantic mind. Soon after he graduated, his 
attention was drawn to the study of theology with the Rev. S. 
WilliamSjOf his own native town. He was soon licensed to preach, 
and immediately after was invited to settle in the ministry in the 
town of Colchester. At this time an elder brother, who was in 
business with his father, had sailed for London, in June, 1731. — 



320 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 

For a long time a forloa^iope was entertained that the vessel had 
been captured by the y\^erines ; but distressing as was even this 
hope, time proved to be fallacious, and the vessel was never again 
heard from. 

The loss of this son, with the vessel and cargo, which wholly 
belonged to the family, so severely afflicted the father, that he 
found himself unfitted to close his mercantile concerns without the 
aid of his surviving son, (Jonathan,) who, with reluctance, declined 
the call of the church at Colchester. 

He left his profession, and closed up the business of his deceas- 
ed brother, and commenced business for himself. He was many 
years a merchant at Lebanon, imported his goods directly from 
England ; being strictly an upright dealer, he soon secured the 
confidence of the public. At the early age of 23, (in 1733,) he 
was elected a member of the General Assembly of the colony, 
where his strong powers of mind, and public business habits, were 
perceived ; by which he rapidly rose in oflice. And at the May 
session of the Legislature, 1739, he was chosen Speaker of the 
House of Representatives. And at the May session of said As- 
sembly, 1740, he was elected one of the Assistants, or a member 
of the Council, where he was continued for many years, to do 
honor to himself and his State. In 17GG, he was elected Lieuten- 
ant Governor, in which office he was continued until 1770 ; by 
virtue of w^hich office, he became by law the Chief Judge of the 
Superior Court. Governor Pitkin, in 1770, being advanced in 
life, felt disposed, at his advanced age, to avoid the absorbing 
subjects which then agitated the public mind, viz. : the right of 
the British Parliament to tax the colonies ; the passage of the 
stamp act, &c. ; which caused great excitement throughout the 
colonies. Though Governor Pitkin and some of the Assistants, 
took the oath enjoined by the British government, yet Lieut. 
Gov. Trumbull, sternly refused to take the oath, or see others 
demean themselves in so doing. No man in the colony at that 
time more coolly resisted the arbitrary acts of Parliament, or was 
more active, ardent, and energetic in the cause of his country 
than Jonathan Trumbull. In 1770, the electors of the colony, 
feehng that in those times of danger and distress, the most efficient^ 
and energetic men in the colony should be placed at the head of 
the colonial Government, (and Gov. Pitkin wishing to retire) they 
elected Mr. Trumbull, Governor of the colon v, to which office 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 321 

he was successively elected until 1784. He was the only Gov- 
ernor when the war of the revolution commenced, who engaged 
in the cause of his country ; and he held his office during the 
whole period of that eventful struggle. He was the most firm 
where there was the greatest danger. His persevering spirit in 
the most gloomy period, his ardor and zeal in his country's cause, 
endeared him to every whig in the colony and country. As a 
statesman, his opinions were clear, correct, and bold, while the 
soundness of his opinions was uniformly proved by the result. 
He was strictly a thinking and an honest man. 

" His diligence, ability, and fidelity, were fully tested by the 
manner in which he performed the immense amount of business 
entrusted to him," a small part of which appear in the pages fol- 
lowing this short biography of his life and history, with his 
Council of Safety, who sat with him during the war, in the recess 
of the General Assembly. 

In addition to his duties as Governor, in attendance with the 
Legislature, from three to five sessions in a year, he sat in Coun- 
cil during the war more than 1200 days. His immense corres- 
pondence with the Governors of the other colonies, with General 
Washington, and other officers of the army, and with foreigners, 
must have occupied much of his time and attention. He was at 
all times prompt to comply with the requisitions of Gen. Wash- 
ington for supplies of men, provisions, and money, to the full 
extent of his ability or the ability of the State. Connecticut was 
a great producing State, and furnished the United States with 
more troops and produce and munitions of war, according to her 
size, population, and ability, than any other State in the Union. 

The correspondence of the Governor continued till his death. 

" The services of Gov. Trumbull, throughout the war, were of 
very great importance, not only to Connecticut, but to the United 
States. During the whole American war, he showed himself the 
honest and unshaken patriot, the wise and able magistrate. No 
man ever loved his country more. No man could guide the ship 
of state with more care. He was, happily, permitted to live to 
see the day when his native land enjoyed the blessings of peace, 
and the glory of her independence. 

"In October, 1783, Gov. Trumbull declined any further elec- 
tion to public office. " A few days," said he, in his address to 



322 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 

the General Assemblv. " will bring me to the anniversary of my 
birth; seventy-three years of my life will then be completed; 
and, next May, fifty-one years will have passed since I was lirst 
honored with the confidence of the people in a public character. 
During this period, in different capacities, it has been my lot to 
be called to public service almost without interruption. Fourteen 
years I have had the honor to fill the chief seat of government. 
With what carefulness, with what zeal and attention to your 
welfare, I have discharged the duties of my several stations, some 
few of you, of equal age with myself, can witness for me from the 
beginning. During the latter period, none of you are ignorant of 
the manner in which my public life has been occupied ! The 
watchful cares and solicitude of an eight years' distressing and 
unusual war have also fallen to my share, and have employed 
many anxious moments of my latest time ; which have been 
cheerfully devoted to the welfare of my country. Happy am I 
to find that all these cares, anxieties, and solicitudes are amply 
compensated by the noble prospect which now opens to my 
fellow citizens, of a happy establishment (if we are but wise to 
improve the precious opportunity) in peace, tranquillity, and 
national independence. With sincere and lively gratitude to 
Almighty God, our great protector and deliverer, and most hearty 
congratulations to all our citizens, I felicitate you, gentlemen, the 
other freemen, and all the good people of the State, in this glori- 
ous prospect. 

" ' Impressed with these sentiment of gratitude and felicitation, 
reviewing the long course of years in which, through various 
events, I have had the pleasure to serve the State ; contempla- 
ting, with pleasing wonder and satisfaction, at the close of an 
arduous contest, the noble and enlarged scences which now pre- 
sent themselves to my country's view ; and reflecting, at the 
same time, on my advanced stage of life — a life worn out almost 
in the constant cares of office — I think it my duty to retire from 
the busy concerns of pqblic aftairs : that at the evening of my 
days I may sweeten their decline by devoting myself with less 
avocation and more attention to the duties of religion, the service 
of my God, and preparation for a future and happier state of 
existence ; in which pleasing employment I shall not cease to 
remember my country, and to make it my ardent prayer that 
Heaven will not fail to bless her with its choisest favors. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 323 

" ' At this conspicuous moment, therefore, of my country's hap- 
piness, when she has thus reached the goal of her wishes, and 
obtained the object for which she has so long contended, and so 
nobly struggled, I have to request the favor from you, gentlemen, 
and through you, from all the freemen of the State, that, after 
May next, I may be excused from any further service in public 
life ; and that from this time I may be no longer considered as an 
object of your suffrages for any public employment in the 
State.' 

" After thanking the Assembly for the aid which they had 
always afforded him in the discharge of his duties, the Governor 
availed himself of his experience, and rendered his last address 
" an advisory legacy" to his constituents. 

" Governor Trumbull was seized with a malignant fever, and, 
after a few days' illness, died on the 17th of August, 1785. 

" The following letter, addressed by General Washington, to 
Jonathan Trumbull, the Governor's son, will be read with 
interest. 

"'Mount Vernon, Oct. 1st, 1785. 
'' * My Dear Sir, 

" ' It has so happened that your letter of the first of last month, 
did not reach me until Saturday's post. 

" ' You know too well the sincere respect and regard I enter- 
tained for your venerable father's public and private character, 
to require assurance of the concern I felt for his death ; or of 
that sympathy in your feelings, for the loss of him, which is 
prompted by friendship. Under this loss, however, great as your 
pangs may have been at the first shock, you have every thing to 
console you." 

"'JL long and well speiit life in the service of his country 
places Governor Trumbull among the first of patriots. In the 
social duties he yielded to no one ; and his lamp, from the common 
course of nature being nearly extinguished, worn down with age 
and cares, but retaining his mental faculties in perfection, are 
blessings which rarely attend advanced life. All these combined, 
have secured to his memory unusual respect and love here, and, 
no doubt, unmeasurable happiness hereafter. 

" * I am sensible that none of these observations can have 
escaped you, that I can offer nothing which your own reason has 



324 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 

not already suggesled^aon the occasion ; and being of Sterne's 
opinion, that ' before an affliction is digested, consolation comes 
too soon, and after it is digested it conies too late, there is but a 
mark between these two, almost as fine as a hair, for a comforter 
to take aim at," I rarely attempt it ; nor should I add more on 
this subject to you, as it will be a renewal of sorrow, by calling 
afresh to your remembrance things that had better be forgotten. 

" ' My principal pursuits are of a rural nature, in which I have 
great delight, especially as I am blessed with the enjoyment of 
good health. Mrs. Washington, on the contrary, is hardly ever 
well ; but, thankful for your kind remembrance of her, joins me 
in every good wish for you, Mrs. Trumbull, and your family. 

" ♦ Be assured, that with sentiments of the purest esteem, 
" ' I am, Dear Sir, your affectionate friend, 
" ' and obedient servant, 

" ' Geo. Washington.' " 

Note. — See Allen's and Elliott's Biographical Dictionaries, National Portrait 
Gallery, Massachusetts Historical Collections, the Records of the State of 
Connecticut, and the American Quarterly Register of August, 1841. 



AN 



E P I T O M E 



OF THE ACTS OF THE GOVERNOR AND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, 
OR THE COMMITTEE OF WAR, CALLED BY THE GOVERNOR, 
AND HELD AT DIFFERENT PLACES, FROM THE 7th DAY 
OF JUNE 1775, UNTIL THE 6th DAY OF MAY, 1778. 



At a meeting of the Governor and Council, or Committee of War, 
called by his Honor, and held at Lebanon, Wednesday, June 
7, 1775. 

PRESENT. 

His Honor, the Governor. 

The Hon. Deputy Governor, Geiswold. 

The Hon. Jabez Huntington, William Williams, Nathaniel Wales, 
Jedediah Elderkin, Joshua West, and Benjamin Huntington, Esq'rs., 
Council of Safety. 

William Williams was appointed Clerk. 

The Governor laid before the Board, letters from the Committee of 
War, the Committee of Safety, and of Supplies, from Massachusetts, 
and from Generals Spencer and Putnam, at the camp near Boston, all 
earnestly requesting a quantity of powder to be sent them forthwith. 
The Governor and Council ordered 50 whole barrels of powder to be 
sent to the care of Generals Putnam and Spencer, containino- 100 
pounds each, the property of this colony ; to be packed into common 
barrels, and the vacant room filled with rye or other grain. 

Col. Parsons, with the company under his immediate command, and 
the company under Capt. Chapman, were ordered to march and join 
the Connecticut troops, at the camp near Boston. Giving the officers 
m said camp authority to purchase such quantity of fish and lard for 
the troops at said camp, as should be necessary. 
42 



326 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

In Session, (at LebanOTj) June 17. (Samuel Huntington added.) 

The Governor laid before the Committee, letters from Congress, 
from Generals Spencer and Putnam, &c., for a further supply of pow- 
der, at the camp near Boston, &;c. 

Ordered 50 gun locks of Uri Hanks, at $2 each. 

The six companies of Col. Parsons' regiment, at New London, under 
Lieut. Col. Tyler, were ordered forthwith to march to the camp near 
Boston, and to be supplied with ammunition out of the colony stores. 

Ten additional barrels of powder were ordered to be sent to Generals 
Putnam and Spencer from Norwich. 

In Session, (according to adjournment,) June 19. 

The news of the Charlestown engagement was received at Lebanon, 
on the night of the I8th inst., at 10 o'clock. 

Mr. Bissell was ordered to send to the army all the cloth he had, for 
tents, (sufficient for 40 tents) ; and Commissary Trumbull, to procure 
the remainder, and get them all made by the poor tent makers who 
escaped from Boston, (i. e.) enough to supply Gen. Putnam's regiment. 

A letter from Col. Wolcott, requesting a supply for Col. Hinman's 
regiment, at Ticonderoga, was approved. A letter in answer to Col. 
Hinman's was also approved. 

Our troops near Boston, were directed to have fresh beef three days 
each week. 

The company under Capt. T. Perritt, were ordered to remain at 
Boston, unless the generals should suppose their continuance unne- 
cessary. 

The Governor was advised by the Board, to give orders to the 
officers and soldiers, to yield obedience to the general commanding 
officer of the troops of Massachusetts, while they acted in that province, 
until further orders. 

The Assembly of New York, made a request for Gen. Wooster's 
and Col. Waterbury's regiments, to march within five miles of the city 
of New York, as they expected troops from Great Britain. 

Gen. ^W^S(Qster was ordered to send two of his companies to New 
London, stM with the remaining seven companies, and Col. Water- 
bury's regiment, to march to within five miles of New York. 

The powder expected from New York, was stopped at Stamford ; it 
was ordered to be sent for, and immediately forwarded to Boston. 

In Session, July 13. 
The Governor laid before the Council various letters ; and one he 
had prepared, congratulating Gen. Washington on his appointment. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 327 

&c. ; another line hinting at Gen. Spencer's uneasiness, &c., on beino- 
overlooked, and with a small alteration to gratify Gen. Spencer, after 
he came in, &c., to have him remain at Roxbury, &;c. 

Samuel Huntington and William Williams, Esq'rs., were desired to 
wait on Gen. Spencer, at Gray's Inn, and confer with him on his 
uneasiness, and endeavor to remove his dissatisfaction, and reconcile 
him to pursue the service ; which they did. 

In Session,' (at the Governor's house,) in the afternoon, July 13. 

In the afternoon. Gen. Spencer attended at the Governor's house, 
when along conference was held on the subject of his being superseded 
by Gen. Putnam, which he thought to be hard and resented it. At 
length, however, he was persuaded to return to the army ; and returned 
to camp with letters to Gen. Washington. 

An Indian, by the name of Cogaahue, brought despatches from the 
Indian country. 

Capt. Potter, from Coos, came with a written request for powder, 
but was refused by the Board. 

The two companies of Gen. Wooster's regiment, stationed at New 
London, (the one of them was then at New Haven,) were ordered to 
march directly to the camp near Boston. 

Surgical instruments were not to be included in the £30, allowed 
for the purchase of medicine for the 8th regiment. 

In Session, July 24, (9 o'clock. A. M.) 

A post by the name of Judd, had arrived with letters from Ticon- 
deroga, informing the Council that the troops thei'e were destitute of 
tents, &;c. The Governor was advised to write the Congress of New 
York to provide and send Col. Hinman's regiment at Ticonderoga, a 
suitable number of tents. 

Two thousand barrels of flour were sent to Norwich, by Congress, 
for the army near Boston, and desired by Gen. Washington to be for- 
warded to the army ; the freight of which was paid by this colony. 

William Williams, Nathaniel Wales, Capt. Deshon, and Capt. Hall 
were appointed to enquire at Norwich, New London, New Haven, 
Middletown, Hartford, &;c., for proper vessels to be used for armed 
vessels, and the terms on which they could be procured, &c., and re- 
port on the 2d of August (then) next. 

At the request of Gen. Washington, the Council advised to order 
the colonels of the 7th and 8th regiments, to march their regiments as 
soon as possible, in whole or part companies, to the camp near Boston, 
and be placed under the commander-in-chief of the continental army. 



328 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

^K Session, August 2. 
The committee appointed to view vessels, &c., for armed vessels, 
&c., made a verbal report, that many vessels could be had on good 
terms, but that na one of them was perfectly accommodated for a 
vessel of war; that people differed^ about the policy of the measure; 
some thought Ave could not compete with the British ships ; that it 
would provoke insult, and expose our sea coasts and vessels inward 
bound to greater danger ; and others that it would be a protection. The 
Council ordered a brig, called the Minerva, owned by Capt. William 
Griswold, of Wethersfield, of 108 tons, to be prepared for an armed 
vessel, according to a resolve of the Assembly. Also to charter some 
small vessel, a fast sailer, of about 20 or 30 tons, and prepare her with 
such warlike materials as would be needed, to be used chiefly as a spy 
vessel, to run from place to place, to carry intelligence, discover the 
enemy, &c. Capt. S. Niles, of Norwich, was appointed captain. 
B. Huntington, Esq. and Capt. Deshon were appointed to find and fit 
out and furnish said small vessel. 

In Session, August 3. 

Giles Hall Avas appointed captain of the brig Minerva, at £7 per 
month; Thomas Horsey, of Derby, 1st lieutenant ; James Hopkins, 
2d lieutenant ; Timothy Larrabee, steward ; S. Backus, cook ; 1 car- 
penter, 1 pilot, 40 seamen, and 40 soldiers or marines. Capt. Hall 
was directed to raise the men, and to be paymaster of said seamen and 
marines or crew, and the Governor desired to grant the commissions 
and warrants for the officers. Said brig Minerva was chartered at 4 
shillings, lawful money, per ton, per month, and pay for the extra 
damage. 

The Council ordered two companies, viz : Maj. Latimer's and Capt. 
Shipman's, to be stationed at New London. 

It was ordered, that four of the G pound cannon at New London 
should be delivered to J. Huntington, of Norwich, for the defence of 
Norwich. 

In Session, August 7. 

Mr. Huntington, &,c. reported, that they had not yet found a suita- 
ble small vessel to be fitted out as a runner and cutter : — they were 
ordered to make further enquiry. 

The news of three or four men-of-war, and eight or ten other ships 
appearing off" New London, (on the 6th of August inst.,) by express ; 
and being further informed by Col- Huntington, that they were bear- 
ing for Fisher's Island, with the design of taking the stock, &c. The 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 329 

Council believed they had reason to apprehend danger and hostile at- 
tacks from the ships and others that might be sent to distressus ; they 
judged it of great importance to all, but more especially those at or 
near the sea coast, to be in a good posture of defence, and therefore 
desired the Governor to order the colonels of the 3d, 8th, 20th, 7th, 
and 2d regiments of militia, forthwith to enroll one-fourth part of their 
regiments, and. be equipped with fire arms, powder and balls, &c. ; 
the powder to be taken from town stocks, the cartridges made and 
lodged with the captains, ready for delivery on any emergency, and 
the men to be in readiness as minute men, to march at the shortest 
notice, when attacked by sea or land ; and the field officers to appoint 
the officers for said companies. The Council ordered one other com- 
pany in Col. Webb's regiment, to march and be stationed at New Ha- 
ven, and that two cannon at New Haven, should be mounted for field 
pieces ; and ship carriages be prepared for four cannon marked by 
Williams and Wales, and appointed David Austin, Jonathan Fitch, and 
William Greenough to see the preparation immediately effected, and 
to improve Mr. Rice. 

Mr. Skinner brought a letter to the Governor from Gen. Washing, 
ton, requesting the purchase of all the tow cloth that could be procured, 
for shirts and short coats for uniform dress, &c. for the army ; and 
sent a sample, with a cape ruffled : Accordingly letters were sent by 
the Governor to all the commissaries in the colony to procure all the 
tow cloth they could purchase. 

A letter was sent to Col. Hamlin, to inform the Governor and 
Council of his progress in collecting and sending salt petre and sul- 
phur, to New York, to be made into gun powder. 

In Session, August 14. 

Capt. F. Shaw, of Goldsborough, by order of said town, applied for 
leave to purchase in this colony about 1,500 bushels of corn and rye, 
and 50 barrels of pork, for the necessary use of the people of Golds- 
borough. The Governor and Council granted him license, and the 
Governor gave him a written permit, the embargo notwithstanding. 

One Rensselaer, by an order from W. Livingston, a commissary for 
the New York department, asked the Board for liberty to purchase 450 
barrels of pork for the troops at Ticonderoga, as it could not be had 
at New York, — which was granted to be purchased in the counties of 
Litchfield and Fairfield. 

Col. Saltonstall wrote a letter to the Governor and Council, asking 
advice, on the propriety of taking stock from the islands, &c., which 
they declined giving, as it was out of the colony limits ; but remarked 



330 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

that great care should be taken to prevent provisions, &c. (near the 
water) from falling inlWhe hands of the enemy. 

Mr. Huntington reported, that he found but one small vessel, suita- 
ble to be a small armed vessel, and ^that could be purchased at £200, 
of Hancox, of Stonington, and her sails and rigging were unfit for 
service. It was ordered by the Governor and Council, that said schoo- 
ner, (called the Britannia,) should be purchased for the colony, and B. 
Huntington, Esq., Capt. Deshon, and Capt. Niles, were appointed to 
purchase her at said price, and have her rigged and fitted out as spee- 
dily as possible ; they also appointed Robert Niles, of Norwich, to be 
her commander. Capt. Deshon was directed forthwith to put the can- 
non, small arms, pistols, and every warlike instrument then at New 
London, which were suitable for armed vessels, into proper condition 
for immediate use, and to advise with Capt. Hall of the larger armed 
vessel (then) fitting at Middletown. 

In Session, August 17. 

The 450 barrels of pork purchased by Mr. Rensselaer, in the colo- 
ny, were for Gen. Schuyler's army at the northward, and the Governor 
and Council considered the danger too great to carry it by water to 
New York ; therefore sent him positive orders not to ship any pork 
purchased in this colony to New York, but to transport it by land to the 
Hudson river, and from thence by water to Albany, which order was 
sent by Mr. Skinner. 

Gen. Washington ordered Gen. Schuyler to send a quantity of lead 
balls, found at Ticonderoga and Crown Point to Gov. Trumbull, &c. 
The Governor wrote Gen. Schuyler to send the same to Commissary 
Phelps, at Albany, and said Phelps to be advised of it, and directed to 
forward them in the most safe and expeditious manner to Gen. Wash- 
ington. 

Orders were sent to Maj. Latimer, commander of the troops at New 
London, to keep regular watches and guards about his camp, and see 
that his soldiers were properly exercised, instructed, and kept clean, 
and free from idleness and bad practices. 

Capt. Lyon was ordered to remain at Norwich Landing, until fur- 
ther orders, and assist the people there, by one half of his company at 
a time, in building a redoubt, at Waterman's Point, &c., and allow them 
spirits when in said service ; and that the captain should see that pro- 
per watches and guards were kept, and the exercises be kept up in 
good order. 

The vast quantity of pork, and other provisions used by the army, 
rendered provisions extremely scarce ; therefore the Council advised 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 331 

to continue the embargo until the 20th of October, 1775 ; and the 
Governor was desired to issue his proclamation accordingly. 

The Governor and Council granted an order to pay for 18 blankets 
and 9 guns, lost at Bunker Hill ; to pay Samuel Hunt £S : 8 : 9 ; to 
pay David Trumbull for going as an express three times to the army, 
£8 : 19 ; to John Alden for going as an express to Killingly to recall 
troops on their march to Cambridge, by advice from Gen. Washington ; 
also to pay for a horse, purchased for the Indian Cognahue, to 'ride to 
the Oneida Indians, &c. £5. 

New Haven selectmen were ordered to prepare carriages for four 
6 pound cannon. 

In Session, August 21. 

Letters had been received from Gen. Schuyler and Col. Hinman, 
informing the Governor of the great danger of delays from New York, 
&;c., relating to the northern expedition, &c. ; also a letter from Maj. 
Brown, who had been in Canada, and gave a favorable account of the 
country. A secret letter was shewn to the Council by the Governor, 
from one Brook Watson to President Livingston, which had been in- 
tercepted, — (an ill concern.) 

Mr. Hazard, of Edgartown, was permitted to purchase £100 worth 
of rye and corn, and carry out of the colony. 

A letter was sent to President Livingston, of the New York Con- 
gress, expressing the Governor's anxiety at their not having provided 
and sent the tents they engaged for Col. Hinman's regiment, and urg- 
ing the danger of delays, &c. 

A letter was also sent by the Governor and Council to Commissary 
Phelps, as to the lead to be sent him from Ticonderoga, for the use of 
the army near Boston, by the desire of Gen. Washington. 

In Session, August 24. 

A permit was granted James Church, of Hartford, to send to Pro- 
vidence, by water, 300 bushels of wheat, to be ground for the army 
near Boston ; which was done with great doubt of its expediencj'^, lest 
it might fall into the hands of the British. 

Benjamin Huntington and Ephraim Bill were appointed a committee 
to oversee and direct the building a battery, &c. at Waterman's Point, 
in New London river. 

Various accounts were offered for guns, blankets, &.C., which had 
been impressed by the Governor's order, to supply the loss of our sol- 
diers at Bunl^er's Hill. N. Frink, 6 guns and 10 blankets, procured 
at Pomfret, £20 : 14 ; Wales & Bissell, 10 guns and 25 blankets, for 



332 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

Windham, £40 : 1 ; M^^ Chandler, of Woodstock, G guns and 10 
blankets, £19 : 13 ; C^t. Bacon, of Canterbury, for guns and blan- 
kets, £20 : 1 : 6 ; Mr. Leffingwell, of Norwich, 20 guns and 40 blan- 
kets, £67 : 9 : 6. 

In Session, September 4. 

The Governor laid before the Council, a request of the General As- 
sembly of Massachusetts, communicated by the Hon. J. Otis, Presi- 
dent of their Council, informing the Governor and Council, that the 
gaols in that colony were crowded with prisoners, and wishing to send 
some of their prisoners into Connecticut. Although our own prisons 
were much wanted for our prisoners from the northward, and 
tories at home ; yet for the great affection for the common cause, the 
Governor and Council did not refuse to receive some of their prisoners, 
on condition that they should apply to Rhode Island and New Hamp- 
shire Assemblies for like favors, and send as sparingly to Connecticut 
as possible ; and that such as they should send, should be sent to the 
gaols in Hartford and Windham. 

Col. Saltonstall and Capt. Deshon were present as a committee from 
New London, and Maj. Smith and Capt. Palmer, from Stonington. 
The latter stated that Stonington had been lately attacked and fired 
upon, and asked the Governor and Council for some military compa- 
nies to be stationed at Stonington ; and both committees prayed for aid 
to erect works for defence, &c. 

Two companies, viz. : Capt. Bostwick's and Capt. Tyler's, and a 
part of a company under Capt. Lieut. Hubbard, were ordered to be 
stationed at or near Stonington harbor ; and the other companies to 
remain at New London, under Maj. Lattimer ; and the soldiers at both 
places were directed to make such intrenchments and works of defence 
as should be directed by the civil authority and field officers in those 
towns. It was also ordered that Capt. Rowlee's company should be 
sent to Lyme, under the direction of the Deputy Governor and civil 
authority of that town, and keep proper watches and guards. 

Information was received from Maj. Lattimer, that one of the vessels 
taken by Capt. Wallace, of the Rose man of-war, dec, at Stonington, 
was by stress of weather driven back to New London, with one white 
man, a petty officer, and three negroes on board, who were in his cus- 
tody ; and he asked how to dispose of them. Two of said negroes 
had been robbed and taken by Capt. Wallace from Deputy Governor 
Cook, of Rhode Island, the other from Capt. Collins. The Governor 
and Council ordered Maj. Lattimer to deliver the vessel to the actual 
owner ; send the white man to gaol in Windham ; and the three 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 333 

negroes to be employed by Capt. Niles, at Norwich, until notice should 
be given to their masters. 

In Session, September 8. 
Ezekiel Williams, Esq., reported the armed brig Minerva nearly 
ready, and wished the officers all appointed. James Hopkins was 
appointed 1st lieutenant, instead of Horsey, declined ; Jehial Tinker, 
2d lieutenant, instead of Hopkins ; Andrew Jehonnot, steward, in- 
stead of T. Larrabee ; Wm. Plummett, master ; Wm. Warner, mate ; 
Benjamin Cranston, gunner. And she was ordered to be supplied with 
five barrels of powder and suitable balls, from New London, and 300 
pounds of lead, from Wethersfield. 

Three companies, under Col. Webb, at Greenwich, were ordered 
to New Haven, to erect intrenchments at five mile point, or elsewhere, 
as Colonels Webb and Hall should advise ; on condition that if the 
report in circulation, of the troops coming to New York, should appear 
to Col. Webb to be true, that he should remain at Greenwich until 
farther orders. 

As this colony, at the time aforesaid, was greatly in advance as to 
men and money to sustain the war, and as Congress had resolved, that 
all expenses of the war should be borne by the united colonies in just 
proportions, and had emitted a continental currency to aid in the 
expenses; yet this colony had loaned the colonies «£ 15,000 lawful 
money, (i. e.) to Gen. Schuyler, on the request and credit of Congress ; 
and had also advanced large sums to carry on the war ; it therefore 
became necessary to apply to Congress for £50,000 of said continental 
money, in addition to the amount paid Gen. Schuyler. Wm. Williams 
and Nathaniel Wales, were appointed agents, to proceed immediately 
to Philadelphia, to procure said sum of j£65,000. £2,000 was voted 
to be paid to N. Shaw, to purchase gun powder. £100 was voted 
for Capt. Niles, of the schooner Spy, to prepare the vessel and pay his 



In Session, September, 14. (Six of the Council present.) 
A letter from Gen. Washington, requiring peremptorily and uncon- 
ditionally, that all the last raised troops in this colony should be sent 
to him, at the camp near Boston, was laid before the Council. On 
this there was great consideration. The troops were much wanted in 
the colony at their stations in New Haven, New London, and Lyme, 
to throw up and build works of defence against the British ships that 
were hovering about the eastern coast of the colony. These but a short 
time before, had cannonaded Stonington, and threats repeatedly made 
4.S 



334 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

after that attack, rendered it probable that some other places on the 
coast would soon be IRuicked by the British, and therefore that the 
removal of the troops to Boston would greatly endanger the towns on 
the coasts in the colony ; but, fearing, that should they refuse to send 
said troops, advantage would be taken against the colony, and though 
they would not be as usefnl at the camp, as they would be in their 
employments at their stations, yet it was thought most prudent to comply 
with the demand ; and they were immediately ordered to march to the 
camp near Boston. And that our towns near the sea board (that were 
then left naked and defenceless, and the works of defence dropt, or at 
least stayed,) should be protected, and provided ; it was ordered to 
enlist 50 men, under Maj. Oliver Smith, for the defence of Stonington, 
and for carrying on the works began there, until the 20th of October, 
1775. And 70 men were ordered to be raised in the same manner and 
for the same purposes at New London, under Col. Saltonstall ; and 20 
men to be raised at Lyme, to watch and guard at Black Point, Black 
Hall, &c., where the cattle and stock were the most exposed to be 
plundered, under Lee Lay, as ensign ; also to raise 50 men at New 
Haven, to be employed there for defence, and to erect works of defence, 
if thought advisable by the people at New Haven, — to be under such 
officers as should be nominated by Wm. Williams and Nath'l. Wales. 
A half ton of powder was ordered to be sent to Gen. Washington. 

A letter was received from the Deputy Governor of Rhode Island, 
proposing that this colony should join them in sending to Bayonne, for 
powder, by a French ship, manned with French sailors. An answer 
was given, that the colony had expended their money so largely in the 
article of powder that their funds were nearly exhausted, and though 
they expected a supply, they refused the offer, but recommended to him 
to propose the measure to Gen. Washington. 

Thompson Phillips was appointed 2d lieutenant, instead of J. Tinker, 
a commissioned officer in the armed brig Minerva. 

Widow Smith, of New London, stated that the prisoners who had 
lately been driven back to New Loudon by stress of weather, in a vessel 
piratically taken from Stonington, by Capt. Wallace, of the Rose man- 
of-war, were confined at Windham ; and prayed that said prisoners 
might be exchanged for her son, Amos Smith, B. Green, and N. Com- 
stock, who had been taken by said Wallace in New London harbor ; 
which was agreed to be done, and so ordered. 

In Session, September 22. 
Granted Gov. Trumbull £32 : 4 : 9 cash paid for postage of letters, &c. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 335 

In Session, October 4. 
Penuel Cheeny was appointed surgeon to the 3d regiment of forces 
raised for the defence of the colony, at £7 : 10 per month. 

In Session, October 9. 

Capt. Hall, of the brig Minerva, was ordered on a cruise with said 
brig, by a request from the Continental Congress, as appears by Presi. 
dent Hancock's letter of October 5, 1775 ; and J. Wads worth was 
directed to supply said brig with her provisions and warlike stores, for 
a six months cruise, and to provide 600 pounds of powder for said brig. 

One hundred and fifty pounds of powder were ordered for the 
schooner Spy. 

Hon. M. Griswold was appointed to meet, in behalf of the Governor, 
a committee of Congress, and others, to consult with Gen. Washington, 
at Cambridge, on the 12th of October, 1775, on matters of great import, 
ance, and in pursuance of an appointment of Congress. 

The sum of £2,000 in continental money were loaned Capt. Wads, 
worth 2d November, 1775. Doct. John Waldo was allowed £13 for 
his services, dec, as surgeon two months in Col. Huntington's regiment. 
£100 was paid David Trumbull for repairing 180 guns sent from 
Crown Point. 

When the brig Minerva, which had been ordered on a cruise to the 
northward on an important enterprise, attempted to set sail ; all her 
hands, except ten or twelve, refused to obey orders, and perform the 
cruise. In consequence of this disobedience, the expedition wholly 
failed. The Governor and Council ordered the disobedient hands to 
be discharged from service, and their wages and titles to be suspended 
for an after consideration. 

Hon. M. Griswold, S. Huntington, and B. Huntington, Esq'rs., were 
appointed to go to Lyme or Saybrook, and discharge the disobedient 
marines on board said brig, and to empower Capt. Hall to enlist others 
to supply their places. 

It was stated by the Governor that he expected an engineer from 
Gen. Washington, to view the harbors at New London, &c., and report 
such places as should prove the most proper for fortifying against the 
enemy. The Governor and Council appointed Col. Elderkin and 
Maj. Dorr, of Boston, (then at Norwich) to assist the engineer in the 
service. 

The Governor wished to be advised as to the propriety of recom- 
mending Mr. Moses Cleveland to Gen. Washington, for an officer. It 
was referred to the Governor's discretion. 



336 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

LrfEssioiv, November 3. 

This meeting was specially called on the receipt of a letter from New 
Haven, by Mr. Babcock, to provide for the safety of the inhabitants of 
that town ; stating the alarming intelligence that orders had been 
received by the British to destroy all the sea port towns. The Gov- 
ernor and Council resolved and ordered that 20 men should be enlisted 
by Capt. Thomson in addition to the 30 men raised by order of the 
Assembly, and continued until the 1st of December (then) next, and 
employed under Capt. Thomson in building a breastwork and battery, 
to repel any hostile attack from any of the British ships, at Black Rock, 
on the eastern shore of the harbor, under the direction of a committee 
appointed by the town. The Governor was requested to write to the 
committee of the city of New York, in favor of New Haven, for the loan 
of eighteen pieces of iron cannon, 18 and 24 pounders, or of less size, 
viz. ; (of 12 pounders) if larger ones could not be obtained, (at the risk 
of the colony, if spoiled or lost.) 100 of the colony arms were ordered 
(for New Haven,) from the counties of New Haven or Litchfield, and 
to be returned. 

Letters were laid before the Council, by the Governor, which stated 
that the Pennites, on the w est branch of the Susquehannah river, were 
about to come, 500 in number, ai'med, to di-ive oif the Connecticut set- 
tlers from the Wyoming country. The Council vieAved it as having a 
most dangerous tendency, to break the union of the colonies, and 
esteemed it a plan, probably concerted by enemies with that view. 
The Governor was desired to address Congress on the subject, and 
endeavor to have the matter quieted. 

A letter was sent by the Governor and Council to the committee at 
Hartford, who had the charge of prisoners of war, which informed 
them of a number of men that were coming from Chamblee, and ad- 
vised them to be distributed in Canaan, Salisbury, Sharon, <fec., and 
to keep families together. 

In Session, November, 22. 
Dr. Church -was sent by Gen. Washington, to Lebanon, under a guard 
of Capt. Putnam, and a sargeant with 7 men, by a resolve of the Gen- 
eral Congress, that Dr. Church should be closely confined in some 
secure gaol in the colony of Connecticut, without pen, paper, or ink ; 
and that no person should be allowed to converse with him, except in 
the presence and hearing of a magistrate, or a sheriff" of the county 
where he should be confined, and in the English language, until further 
orders from Congress. Signed per order of Congress, Philadelphia, 
November 6, 1775, by John Hancock, President. Accompanying the 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 337 

above was a letter requesting the Governor and Council to comply 
in every particular with the words of the resolution, signed by Gen. 
Washington. The Governor and Council directed said Church to be 
confined in the gaol at Norwich, as required by the resolution, until 
further orders from Congress. 

Six hundred pounds of powder were directed to be sent to New Ha- 
ven, to the care of Col. John Fitch, &c. ; 200 pounds of which were 
ordered to Norwalk. 

By a request of New Haven, the troops at New London, New Ha- 
ven, Stonington, and Lyme, whose time of service would expire on 
the 1st of December, were ordered to be continued until the next ses- 
sion of the General Assembly, or until farther orders. 

The Governor was desired, by the Council, to write to and employ 
sundry persons in the western towns in this colony, to provide persons 
to be in readiness at a moment's warning, to convey any intelligence of 
alarm or invasion to any town or place, as occasion should require ; 
and advise the Congress of New York of the provision made. 

Col. Elderkin, who had been appointed, dsc, reported, that it would 
be expedient to erect fortifications at New London harbor, at Manna- 
cock, Winthrop's Point, and Groton Hill. And the men stationed at 
New London were ordered to erect proper works of defence at Groton 
Hill, at Winthrop's Point, or at Mannacock, under the direction of Col. 
Saltonstall, Ebenezer Ledyard, Esq., John Deshon, Nathaniel Shaw, 
Jr., P. Avery, and Josiah Watrous. 

The Governor and Council were requested, by this colony, to apply 
to the Continental Congress, for a number not exceeding 50 cannon, 
from 12 to 32 pounders, some brass, from St. John's, or any other 
northern posts (then) lately taken by the northern army, to be used at 
New London. 

The Governor and Council recommended to the county court of New 
London county, to erect immediately, a high and sufficient yard to en- 
close the gaol, to prevent communication from without with the prison, 
ers ; which had been requested by Congress and by Gen. Washington, 
particularly in the case of Dr. Church, who was confined in said pri- 
son. 

Capt. Niles, of the Spy, informed the Governor and Council, that 
a vessel at Sag Harbor, Long Island, was loading with provisions, 
bound for Nantucket, and without a permit, and he suspected the pro- 
visions were designed for the British troops. The resolution of Con- 
gress, passed on the 6th of November, 1775, was ordered to be sent to 
Capt. Niles, to instruct him how to proceed. 



338 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 

Several prisoners, a^dpirmington, from Chamblee, in Canada, were 
turbulent and disorderly, and refused to abide faithful prisoners, &c. 
It M'as suspected that they wished to be imprisoned, to complain of 
harsh treatment on their return. The Governor and Council ordered 
a vigilant watch kept over them, even at an extra expense, to prevent 
their escape. 

In Session, December 6. 

It was voted, that the vessel of the captain and other officers and 
sailors of the armed vessel (then lately) taken near St. John's, (said 
officers, &;c. then at Canaan,) should be disposed of for the benefit of 
the towns in Litchfield county, for taking care of prisoners. 

Capt. William Hunter, Lieut. John Smith, Dr. Thomas Sundon, 
John Kent, William Kent, and a Sarg't. Smith, who were taken pri- 
soners at St. John's, were sent to this colony to be quartered and kept. 
The Governor and Council directed them to reside within the town of 
Wethersfield upon their parole of honor not to depart from the town 
until further orders ; and the committee for taking charge of prisoners, 
were ordered to take charge of and provide for them. 

A letter was received from Gen. Washington, informing the Gover- 
nor and Council, that several of our soldiers, under Gen. Putnam, had 
deserted the army, (by claiming their time of service had expired ;) 
that he had sent after them, and highly resenting their conduct, and 
asking for them to be made examples of, &;c. The Governor and Coun- 
cil considered their conduct very reprehensible, and considered them 
deserters, though their time had nearly expired ; considered it a criti- 
cal time to form a new army, and doubted their power to act upon the 
subject, and therefore referred it to the next General Assembly ; and 
wrote to Gen. Washington on the subject. 

In Session, (at New Haven,) December 22. 

An order of £100 in favor of Capt. Niles, was drawn on the pay 
table, for the use of his men on board the armed schooner Spy. 

The sum of £115 : 8 : 6 was allowed Messrs. Greenough, Fitch, and 
Austin for carriages for cannon at New Haven. 

Capt. Thomson and his company, (through the severity of the 
weather) were discharged from further service in erecting works of 
defence at Black Rock. £3 was given Capt. Thomson for extra 
work in cold, severe weather, at Black Rock. 

The sum of £8:15:5 was allowed Capt. J. Lester, for ship 
carriages. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 339 

In Session, January 5th, 1776. 

(The Council the same as on the 22d December, except Jedediah 
Elderkin and Joshua West, in the places of Samuel Huntington and 
the Deputy Governor, who were absent.) 

It M as ordered, that one row galley, lately ordered by the Assembly 
should be built at Norwich, one at East Haddam, and the building of 
the other two postponed. 

Silas Dean requested, by letter, in behalf of the naval committee at 
Congress, that Capt. Niles, of the Spy, should be sent to carry recruits 
from New London to Philadelphia for the navy ; which was refused 
by the Governor and Council for the reason, that the Spy could not 
be spared with safety so long at a time. 

A letter from Mr. Shaw, informed that Capt. E. Hinman had brought 
in two tons of powder for the colony, and had landed it at Bedford, 
near Dartmouth. Mr. Shaw was desired to send the powder to Provi- 
dence, to the care of Gov. Cook. 

The time having expired for which the men of the schooner Spy 
had enlisted ; the Governor and Council directed Capt. Niles to enlist 
20 men, such as he could confide in, to serve on board said schooner 
Spy, for one year ; to pay for able seamen, 48s. ; for seamen, 40s. 
per month. 

Col. Mott was appointed to view the works of defence at New Lon- 
don, Groton, and Stonington, erected at those places, and report to the 
Governor as soon as might be. 

In Session, January 9. 

The subject of building or purchasing, to be armed for defence, a 
vessel, under a resolve of the Assembly, was before the Board. It was 
voted, that such vessel should not be less than 200 tons burden. And 
Benjamin Huntington and Capt. Seth Harding were appointed to go 
to Middletown forthwith, and t3 other towns on the river, and find 
where such warlike vessel, fit and suitable for the service, could be 
purchased, and the terms of sale, &:c., or where, by whom, and on 
what terms one could be built at the least expense. 

Col. J. Elderkin was appointed to attend to some business at Suffer- 
age and Salisbury, and procure the casting of cannon, &;c. 

In Session, January 26. 

Col. Burrall, (and Nathaniel Buel appointed major in the regiment 

for Canada) were before the Council, and said Buel refused the 

appointment of major, because Lieut. Col. Mott was placed above him. 

Col. Burrall represented to the Board, that Col. Mott lived remote (in 



340 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 

the eastern part of the f^ny,) distant from the regiment in Litchfield 
county ; that it caused great uneasiness in that county where the men 
were raised and to be raised, and would retard the enlisting there, &c. 
When Lieut. Col. Mott was informed that his appointment was like to 
impede the enlisting of men for the Canada service, he at once gener- 
ously resigned, and Nathaniel Buel, of Salisbury, was appointed lieu, 
tenant colonel of said regiment, in the place of said Mott. 

Letters and resolutions were received from Congress by express, 
directing the keeping up nine battalions in Canada ; that one regiment 
should be raised in this colony, and the commissions sent blank, to 
consist of eight companies. 

The Governor and Council gave orders to the pay table, to examine 
and settle the pay rolls of the officers of the (then) late northern armv. 

Passed an order for Capt. Harding to go to Saybrook, and assist in 
forming the plan of the ship to be built. 

A proclamation was drafted on the Congress plan, for raising a bat- 
talion for Quebec, and passed ; to consist of eight companies, 90 men 
in each, including officers. 

In Sessiox, January 29. 

Capt. Lester reported his views of the row galleys, at Philadelphia ; 
and Mr. Winslow of those at Providence, and shewed the plans, &c. 
The Governor and Council ordered two row galleys to be built, one by 
said Lester, and one by said Winslow, with 60 feet keel, 18 feet beam, 
and 5 feet hold, four inches dead rising ; and stipulated to pay them as 
master builders, $1 per day. Capt. Lester moved to be allowed for 
the use of his tools and yard room ; liquor was to be allowed their 
workmen, as they had been allowed when at work for themselves. 

Col. Elderkin reported the condition of the Salisbury furnace, and 
the works at Colebrook, &:c. It was deemed necessary to purchase a 
lot of wood land, at Salisbury, of 200 acres, which was owned by 
the wives of Col. Hamlin and the Rev. Mr. Whittlesey ; for which 
purpose, Elijah Hyde, of Lebanon, was appointed to procure the terms 
of sale of said land, or the wood on it, separately. 

Col. Saltonstall being present, a long discussion took place on the 
question, how the fortifications at New London and Groton should be 
made and carried on. 

Dr. Robert Usher, of Chatham, was appointed surgeon, &c. for 
Wadsworth's regiment, in the recruits (then) raised for Cambridge, 
and Dr. Elias Norton, surgeon's mate ; Dr. Elisha Perkins, appointed 
surgeon, &;c. for Col. Douglass' regiment, and Dr. Thomas Gray, sur- 
geon's mate, and Rev. John Fuller, chaplain of said regiment. Each 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 341 

officer and soldier was to be allowed Is. 6d. for each gun and bayonet 
used in the service, and for the use of each blanket 3s. ; and if either 
be lost without default of the soldier, the owner to be paid for it, if ap- 
praised bofore used in service. If unable to provide themselves with 
arms, &c., the towns to supply them. 

Capt. Uriah Hayden was employed to build a ship-of-war, with 80 
feet keel, 27 feet beam, and 12 feet hold ; to be paid 6s. per day, he 
keeping himself, and discharge every part of the duty with the greatest 
fidelity, care, and despatch ; to obey all directions, and consult Capt. 
Harding. Benj. Williams, of Saybrook, was employed to do all the 
necessary iron work for the ship-of-war to be built by Capt. Harding, 
including deck nails, at 20s. per hundred, in a workmanlike manner, 
and in due season, as fast as they might be wanted, (the colony to find 
the iron.) 

The dead rising for the row galleys, to be built by Lester & Wins- 
low, was afterwards ordered to be about seven inches, instead of four 
inches. 

Mr. Harpin applied to have fortifications erected at Milford, but as 
no orders had been given by the Assembly, except that they ought to 
have six cannon, (from New Haven, &c.) The Council negatived 
the application. 

Adonijah Strong, Esq., was appointed to make all necessary prepa- 
rations, provisions, &c., for the march of the regiment (then) raising 
under Col. Burrall, for the relief of the continental army, in Canada, 
as far as Albany, by the request of Gen. Washington, made to the 
Governor — and keep his account and vouchers. 

In Session, February 1. 

Congress requested that a ton of powder should be sent to Canada. 
The colony having at that time but a small quantity of powder on 
hand ; the Governor and Council ordered to be sent 728 pounds to 
the army in Canada, to be forwarded by the Governor. 

It became necessary that the bounty, wages, and pay for blankets, 
&c., provisions for the march of the battalion (then) raising to reinforce 
the northern army, &c., under the proclamation of the Governor, of 
the 27th of January, 1776, by a resolve of Congress, should be paid. 
Congress had ordered $12,500 to be placed in the hands of the dele- 
gates of this colony, to be forwarded with all expedition for the use of 
said battalion ; but in case said money failed to arrive in season, it was 
ordered that the committee of pay table should draw on the Treasurer 
of the colony for the sum. It was farther ordered, that said sum 
should be put in the hands of Wm. Lawrence, Esq., of Hartford ; and 
44 



342 



RKVOLUTIONAHY AVAR, 177G. 



that as soon as necessj^^, he should repair to Canaan, or elsewhere, 
and pay off each officer and soldier of said battalion the sums due 
them, before marching ; for which service said Lawrence was ordered 
to be paid $26 67 per month, and his expenses. 

Jesse Root, Esq., was added to the committee of prisoners of war, 
sent to this colony. Said committee of prisoners, were ordered to 
make out a clear and full account of the charge and expense that had 
been incurred for the support of all prisoners in the colony, from the 
time of their arrival into the colony, to the 1st of February, 1776, and 
transmit the same to the Governor, to be forwarded to Congress for 
payment. 

Upon the request of commissaries Fitch and Squire, for directions 
and orders ibr money necessary to make provision for the march and 
support of the men raised to aid Gen. Lee, in his expedition to New 
York, &c. ; an order of £500 for each, was drawn by the pay table on 
the Treasurer of the colony in favor of said commissaries, to be by them 
improved in the most careful and frugal maimer ; to make the neces- 
sary provisions for that purpose, and keep exact accounts, with vouch- 
ers, and transmit the same to the Governor, and by him to be laid 
before Gen. Washington for reimbursement. 

Capt. Isaac Sears was appointed to purchase a suitable quantity and 
assortment of duck for a ship of 260 tons, then building for the use of 
the colony, and 7 tons of iron for said ship ; and deliver the iron to 
Capt. Benj. Williams, and the duck to Capt. Hayden, of Saybrook. 

In Session, February 2. 

CoL Wadsworth asked for direction respecting three prisoners in 
his care, who thought themselves unjustly detained. It was ordered, 
that the Governor should give them a permit to return to Gen. Schuy- 
ler, at Albany, and at his discretion to suffer them to return to their 
several homes. 

Col. Dyer and Mr. Wales were appointed and instructed to repair 
to New London and Groton, to examine the ground where fortifica- 
tions were proposed to be erected and some were begun, and form their 
best judgment as to the best places where the same could be built to 
the greatest advantage, and report how many men ought to be em- 
ployed to do the work at each place ; how soon the works would be 
undertaken, and under whose direction, &c. ; of the expediency of 
removing some, and how many of the cannon, the ball, powder, &c., 
from New London, to the works erected or to be erected on Groton 
Hill ; whether any company at New London should be discharged ; 
of the safety of the colony's powder and military stores remaining in a 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 843 

magazine near the Avater in New London, and how much ought to be 
removed, and where it would be best to deposit it. And report to the 
Governor and Council as soon as practicable. 

Mr. Bushnell, by request of the Governor and Council appeared 
before them, and gave an account of his machine for blowing up ships, 
&c. ; which he explained. After he retired, the Governor and Council 
voted that they were under obligations of secrecy respecting the ma- 
chine, and that the Deputy Governor should reward Mr. Bushnell for 
his trouble and expenses for attending, and inform him that the Gov- 
ernor and Council fully approved of his plan, and would like to have 
him proceed, and make every necessary preparation and experiment 
about it, with expectation of proper public notice and reward. 

The Governor and Council had been authorized by the Assembly to 
supply the batteries at Groton, Stonington, New Haven, &c. ; to effect 
this was extremely difficult, except they should be cast in the furnace 
of Mr. Smith, in Salisbury. It was therefore determined to improve 
said furnace to cast the cannons and cannon balls of proper sizes ; and 
coal, ore, and all necessary implements for the purpose were ordered 
to be immediately procured. Col. Elderkin was appointed to go imme- 
diately to Salisbury, and give the proper orders and directions ; make 
provisions, and prepare every necessary for carrying the same into full 
operation ; and improve and use the wood on 50 acres of land there 
owned by Messrs. Hamlin and Whittlesey, &c., or so much as should 
be wanted. 

The Governor and Coitncil were informed that the treasury of the 
colony was exhausted, in the support of the common cause, and partic 
ularly by paying the Connecticut forces, under Gen. Washington, at 
Boston, to quiet the soldiers and have them re-engage in the same ser- 
vice ; and there being many pressing demands upon the treasury for 
large sums, to fit out the battalions to reinforce the army in Canada, 
and 3 regiments to recruit Gen. Washington's army, without which 
funds, &;c., said troops could not be sent. It was finally determined, 
and so ordered, to send any one of the committee of pay table, viz. : 
either William Pitkin, Thomas Seymour, E. Williams, or Oliver Ells- 
worth, Esq'rs., forthwith to Gen. Washington, and inform him of the 
necessity of the colony, and request him to replace the sums of money 
the committee had advanced from the treasury towards the pay and 
wages of the forces in his camp. 

A letter had been received from Col. Burrall, greatly complaining 
about Mr, Strong's appointment to supply his regiment to Albany, &;c. ; 
but the Governor and Council adhered to their appointment. 



344 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 

Capt. B. CJiiUop i^ed to have the command at Groton. Capt. 
Troop asked advice as to his company for Canada. 

Letters were received from Gen. Washington, Gen. Lee, and Gen. 
Schuyler, and were laid before the Council. 

On Gen. Washington's pressing request for powder, it was ordered' 
that about three tons (then) lately imported by Mr. Shaw and Capt. 
Hinman, into Dartmouth, and sent by the Governor's order to Provi. 
dence, should be forthwith sent from Providence to Gen. Washington. 
Three thousand pounds of it to be on account, and for Maj. Thom- 
son, a committee of supply for Massachusetts ; and the other 3000 
pounds on account of this colony, to be paid or replaced as the Coun- 
cil should choose. 

Gen. Lee signified to the Council, by letter, that he was not only 
admitted into New York, but that they had resolved to take strong pos- 
session of the city, to prevent the enemy from getting any possession ; 
and desired Col. Ward's regiment, which had been released on the 
discouraging prospects at first, to be sent back ; this regiment was 
ordered forthwith to return to New York, under the command of Gen. 
Lee, and their wages to be continued as though they had not returned. 

A letter was sent Capt. Swift, of the northern expedition, confirm- 
ing Murray as lieutenant, in the room of Lieut. Grant, declined. 

Letters were sent to Gen. Washington, shewing the directions of the 
Governor and Council respecting powder ; and a copy of Gen. Lee's 
letter. 

Mr. Ellsworth, who had been to Gen. Washington to obtain the 
money our committee had paid to the soldiers, returned unsuccessful. 
And being in great want of funds, the Governor and Council consider- 
ed what could be done ; but finally ordered that the committee of pay 
table should prepare, as soon as possible, the pay rolls of the troops, 
which they had paid, and repair to the Continental Congress, and ap. 
ply for the re-payment of said sums. 

In Session, February 13. 

David Lathrop was allowed £11 : 10 : 8, for going as an express to 
Stamford, to stop the troops, in August, 1775 ; for going express to 
New Haven, in October, 1775 ; for do. express to warn the Assembly, 
in December, 1775 ; for do. express to the Lieutenant Governor ; for 
do. to Cambridge. 

A letter was sent Governor Cook, of Rhode Island, desiring him to 
forward our powder to Gen. Washington. 

The Governor and Council considered, that the forts at Groton Hill, 
at Winthrop's Point, and at Mannacock, or Shaw's Point, were of great 



REVO LUTlfo NARY WAR, 1776. 345 

importance, not- only for the defence of New London, but to render the 
harbor a place of safety for all friendly shipping of any of the States ; 
they therefore ordered three companies of men to be raised by volun- 
tary enlistment, consisting of 90 men each, including officers, for the 
term, and until the 1st of December, 1776, unless sooner dismissed by 
the Assembly. These were to be employed as laborers in erecting 
works of defence, as they should be ordered, at the three places men- 
tioned above, and to act as soldiers, if required, in those parts. They 
were to be exercised by their officers in the use of arms, of cannon, or 
any other military exercise ; and they were ordered to be stationed at 
the three places aforesaid, under the command of Capt. Saltonstall 
at Winthrop's Point ; under Capt. Mott, at Groton Hill, and under 
Capt. Ely, at Mannacock, or Shaw's Point. They were liable to be 
called from their stations to do any duty ; and if any soldier should be 
deficient in his labor, such deficiency was to be deducted from his 
wages ; and they were to be ever subject to an act, passed May, 1775, 
regulating and ordering the troops, &c., and were to receive the same 
pay as troops in the continental service near Boston. They were to be 
furnished with good rations and provisions, and one gill of rum per 
day, when on fatigue, 3s. for the use of blankets, and furnished with 
arms, by the colony. The Governor and Council directed one barrack 
to be erected for a single company, on Groton Hill ; that the pest 
house should be removed and used as a barrack for the company, at 
Mannacock, if New London charged nothing for such removal. 

The Governor and Council ordered 3 stone sledges, 3 hammers, 30 
shovels, 30 spades, 10 iron crow-bars, 20 pick.axes, 2 draught chains, 
1 long log chain, and 1 cart, with 2 pair of oxen, to be purchased to 
use on the works aforesaid ; and said troops to be put in the care 
of the commanding officer. Col. Saltonstall was appointed to provide 
timber and necessary materials at Winthrop's Point ; Ebenezer Led- 
yard, Esq. to do the same duty at Groton Hill ; and Nathaniel Shaw, 
Jr. to do the same for the works at Mannacock. 

In Session, February 16. 

Gen. Washington sent a pressing and urgent request by Col. Gay, to 
the Governor, for more powder. The Governor and Council voted to 
send him 2 tons of the 4 tons (then lately) imported into New London 
by Mr. Shaw, in the Macaroni, to be replaced by Gen. Washington. 

£100 was voted Mr. Lester, builder of a row galley, to aid him in 
his work. 

£150 was ordered to be paid to David Trumbull, towards his charges 
for repairing guns sent from Crown Point. 



346 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 

£460 was ordered to ^pdrawn on the pay table out of the conti- 
nental money sent for the purpose of paying advance wages, bounty, 
&c., of Capt. Throop's company, destined to Canada. 

Letters were received from the authority, &c., of Fairfield, from 
Col's. Silliman and Burr, setting forth their exposed situation, and 
necessity of defence, &c. ; and requested cannon, balls, and powder, 
and at least 25 men, &,c. The Governor and Council ordered 25 
able bodied men to be raised, by voluntary enlistment, under a lieuten- 
ant and 2 sargeants, to be employed in erecting works of defence, as 
the authority, &;c., of said town should direct, and for watching &c., 
as should be necessary ; and to continue until the 1st of November, 
1776, (unless sooner discharged,) and to receive the same pay and 
wages as the army near Boston ; and allowed 8d. per day for their 
provision and support during said term. 

Voted, that on sending to Gen. Washington the 2 tons of powder, a 
letter should be written to him, informing him that 4 tons of powder 
were desired to be replaced by him out of that M'hich he expected to 
receive from Philadelphia ; to lodge 1 ton at Fairfield, 1 ton at New 
Haven, and 2 tons at Middletown. 

General Washington wrote to the Governor and Council urgently 
for a supply of fire arms. The Governor and Council ordered 30 
stands of arms, fitted out from the gun barrels sent from Crown Point, 
and to be sent to Gen. Washington. 

It was ordered, that Lemuel Bryant, of Middleborough, Mass., a 
founder by profession, and David Carver, Zebulon White, and David 
Oldman, from the same State, who were moulders by trade, should be- 
employed at Salisbury ; and that Bryant should procure if possible, 

four moulds for shot. 

> 

In Session, February 17. 

Sheriflf Williams represented to the Governor and Council the great 
difficulty of managing the prisoners at Hartford ; and moved to have an 
addition made to the committee of prisoners, as four of the committee 
were in the army, and on other business. B. Payne, Esq. and Capt. 
J. Wadsworth, were added to the committee. 

Voted an order on the pay table of £9 : 13 : 5 for Mr. Torry, for 
going with a wagon and the Indian chiefs on the 14th of January, 1776^ 
to Cambridge ; 6s. to Daniel Throop, for going to Windham with him ; 
and £2 : 7 : 9 to Capt. Hyde, for three journeys to New Haven con- 
cerning Salisbury furnace, for the colony ; also £2 : 5 : 2 to Jude Aldcn 
for a horse twice for John Walker, the Congress post. 

Edward Mott was appointed captain of the company to be raised 
and stationed at Groton fort, and commandant of said fort. Dr. John 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 347 

Ely, of Lyme, was appointed captain of the company to be stationed at 
Mannacock fort. Samuel Mott and Josiah Waters were appointed 
engineers, to superintend the building of works of defence and forts 
at New London and Groton. 

In Session, February 23. 

Another letter was received from Gen. Washington, complaining of 
his deficiency of powder. 

Maj. Smith, of Stonington, urged an addition to be made to his men 
in Stonington, for the defer^ce of the town and harbor. The Governor 
and Council ordered said company of 40 men to be augmented to 90 
men, by voluntary enlistment, and to be continued in service until the 
1st of December (then) next, unless sooner discharged ; and to be sta- 
tioned at or near the fortification at Stonington. Nathan Palmer, Jr., 
was appointed 1st lieutenant ; John Belcher, 2d lieutenant, and Clement 
Miner, ensign, of the company above mentioned, under captain or Maj. 
Oliver Smith, who was authorized to enlist said men with all speed. 
Nathaniel Miner, Esq., was appointed commissary to provide supplies 
for the company at said fort. The provisions to be procured according 
to the regulations on that subject near Boston. 

Simeon Davis, who was authorized by Gov. Cook, of Rhode Island, 
to go to the foreign West Indies, after a cargo of powder ; asked 
leave of the Governor and Council of this colony, to purchase certain 
articles in this colony, to carry with him. The Council advised the 
Governor lo permit him to purchase and ship 2,000 pounds of cheese ; 
2,000 pounds of lard ; 60 barrels of pork, and 30 barrels of beef. 

Col. Saltonstall was appointed captain of the company to be sta- 
tioned at Winthrop's Point, to be raised by enlistment ; and Ebenezer 
Ledyard, Esq., was appointed commissary to provide for the company, 
to be stationed at Groton Hill. Capt. Deshon was appointed a com- 
missary for the two companies, to be stationed at Winthrop's Point, and 
at Mannacock, in New London. 

Seth Harding was appointed captain, of the brig-ofwar Defence. 
Jehiel Tinker was appointed captain, of the row galley, then building 
at East Haddam. 

In Session, February 24. 

(The Governor, E. Dyer, J. Huntington, and Nathaniel Wales, 
Esq'rs., were all of the Council that were present.) 

The Governor and Council appointed Ebenezer Bartram, of Fair- 
field, 1st lieutenant ; James Hopkins, of Middletown, 2d lieutenant, 
and John McCleave, master of the brig Defence. 



348 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 

Martin Kirtland was ^Pointed 1st lieutenant, and David Piatt, 2d 
lieutenant, of the company to be stationed at Mannacock. 

Oliver Coit was appointed 1st lieutenant ; Wm. Latham, 2d lieuten- 
ant, and William Whiting, ensign, of the company to be stationed at 
Groton fort. 

In Session, February 27. 
Adriel Ely was appointed ensign, in the company under Capt. John 
Ely. 

In Session, February 28. 

It was voted, that Nathaniel Green & Co., of Rhode Island, might 
purchase in this colony, three cargoes of produce, (under the direction 
of the Governor,) to be transported to the West Indies, to purchase war- 
like stores, in pursuance of a contract made between the said Green & 
Co., and the committee of secrecy of the Continental Congress, for the 
benefit of the united colonies. One cargo to be shipped in a brig at 
Norwich, owned in Rhode Island ; the other two cargoes to be shipped 
in vessels owned in this colony. 

Capt. Ephraim Bill was ordered to Saybrook, to inspect the colony 
ship-of-war, at Capt. Hayden's yard, aid and urge the work in the best 
and most speedy manner. And the builders, riggers, blacksmiths, sail 
makers, &;c., were directed to consult Capt. Bill, in their several 
branches of work. 

It was voted, that the Governor and Council should take up the 
matter of the taking of Ticonderoga, &c., and adopt some measures to 
represent the same to Congress, that those to whom rewards were due 
for service, should receive it ; and that those who had received money 
to disburse in that service should be called to account. N. B. One 
Thomas Lusk, who was a captain at St. John's, was to be remembered 
for a reward. 

Col. Saltonstall, Nathaniel Shaw, Jr., and Ebenezer Ledyard, 
Esq'rs., were directed to provide teams and tools for the use of the 
fortifications at New London and Groton. 

The Governor was requested to write to the northward for as many 
gun barrels as could be obtained, to be repaired. 

In Session, March 5. 

£150 was voted to be paid to Capt. Uriah Hayden. 

Col. Sears was ordered to send 3 tons of iron to Capt. B. Williams, 
or Capt. Hayden, at Saybrook. 

An order was given J. Fitch, Esq., to furnish provisions for the brig 
Defence, for a cruise of nine weeks. 



REVOLUTIOINARY WAR, 1776. 349 

♦ In Session, March 14. 

John McCleave, of New Haven, was appointed 2d Ueutenant of the 
brig Defence, instead of Lieut. Hopkins. 

Capt. Joseph Thomson was appointed as a heutenant, to enhst 30 
men, to finish the work at Black Rock, ip New Haven, and to serve 
as troops under him at said works, or wherever they should be ordered 
in the colony, until farther orders ; said Thomson to appoint two sar- 
geants to assist him in said service. 

The Treasurer of the colony doubted the propriety of receiving con. 
tinental bills in payment of colony taxes ; but the Governor and 
Council considered it necessary to support the union of the colonies in 
the fi'ee circulation and credit of continental bills ; and ordered that 
they should be received in all payments ; and ordered the Treasurer, 
so to advertise in the newspapers. Voted unanimously. 

Capt. Edward Mott Avas ordered to repair with his company to his 
station at Groton. 

E. Dyer and William Williams, Esq'rs., were a committee to repair 
to the Congress, in Philadelphia, and apply for a remittance of conti- 
nental bills due to Connecticut ; to inform the Congress of the situation 
of the two regiments sent to New York, and take directions concerning 
them ; to ask the loan of cannon from New York ; and also request 
the colonels of the two Connecticut regiments to remain there until 
further orders ; to confer with the Connecticut delegates, &;c., relative 
to the state of the united colonies. 

J. Huntington and B. Huntington were appointed to take advice as 
to the mode of rigging the row galley then building by Capt. Lester, 
and order accordingly. 

In Session, March 18. 

A special session of the Governor and Council was called, upon 
receiving advices from Gen. Washington, with information that the 
British troops were withdrawing from Boston, as he supposed bound 
for New York, entreating the Governor and Council to send 2,000 
men from the frontiers of Connecticut, forthwith to New York, until 
he could march his army there. 

Samuel Bryant was, from the necessity of the case, allowed as 
cannon founder, $2 per day ; and Zebulon White as moulder, was 
allowed 8s. per day, if they succeeded at Salisbury, but if they failed 
of success, they were to have their board only. Col. J. Porter was 
appointed chief provider and overseer of the men and furnace, at 
SaUsbury. 

45 



350 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 

A letter was receiij^ from Gen. Washington, by the Governor, 
dated the 14th of March, 1776, which informed him that the enemy 
had embarked their troops, and were making a shameful retreat from 
Boston, and probably were destined to New York, — a place of infinite 
importance to the British and ourselves ; also shewing the advantage 
of a priority of possession of the place, &c. The Governor and 
Council unanimously resolved that the present was a very important 
crisis, and might determine the fate of America : Therefore the Coun- 
cil advised the Governor to give immediate orders to the colonels, or 
commanding officers of the 4th, 9th, 16th, 2d, 7th, 10th, and 23d regi- 
ments of militia, forthwith to assemble their respective regiments, in 
whole or part as they should judge proper, and unless a suitable pro- 
portion should freely and forthwith voluntarily, (as was hoped they 
would) offer themselves, that they should immediately detach from the 
4th regiment, 360 men ; from the 9th regiment, 360 men ; from the 16th 
regiment, 180 men, inclusive of officers, to be formed into a regiment 
of ten companies of 90 men each, including officers, under the com- 
mand of Col. G. S. Silliman, Lieut. Col. John Mead, and Maj. John 
Chandler, under such company officei"s in the militia, or such as had 
lately been in service, as the field officers in the regiments from which 
they should be drafted, should appoint. Also from the 2d regiment, 270 
men ; from the 7th regiment, 360 men ; from the 10th regiment, 180 
men, and from the 23d regiment, 90 men, including officers, or near 
that number, but not to exceed it ; and formed into a regiment as afore- 
said, under the command of Col. M. Talcott, Lieut. Col. Jabez Thorn- 
son, and Maj. Sylvanus Graves ; and when formed, forthwith to march, 
by land or Avater, to New York, and place themselves under the com- 
mander-in-chief there, and assist in securing and holding New York, 
until Gen. Washington should arrive with his army from Boston, and 
be dismissed bv him ; and to be entitled to the same wages, &;c., as 
the other New England troops in service were. J. Fitch, Esq., and 
Capt. S. Squire were appointed to make proper provision for the march 
and transportation of the troops ordered to New York. 

In Session, March 19. 
(Mr. Wales being sick with the gout, not present.) 
Mr. Babcock, of New Haven, moved for liberty to erect a powder 
mill in behalf of Jeremiah Atwater, J. Doolittle, David Austin, and him- 
self immediately, for manufacturing gun powder, at New Haven. 

Mr. Lane, of Killingly, was despatched with letters as to raising 
said troops. 



REVOLUTIOiSARY WAR, 1776. 351 

Mr. Waters, an engineer, urged to be excused from the service, 
apprehending that Col. Mott and himself should disagree ; which was 
not granted, but was advised to go directly and assist, in the best man- 
ner he could, in erecting said fortifications. 

In Session, March 22. 

A letter was received from Col. Talcott, which shewed his insupe- 
rable difficulties in procuring guns, and want of money to march his 
troops to New York. It was voted, that Mr. Hosmer should furnish 
Col. Talcott for his regiment, such number of guns and bayonets, 
(which belonged to the colony,) as should be found indispensably 
necessary for his regiment ; and Col. Fitch was ordered, (as there was 
no money in the treasury,) to provide for the march, &c., and advance 
or borrow money, if necessary, to march the troops. 

Sims Edgerton, gaol keeper, in Norwich, was allowed for keeping 
Dr. Church, from the 24th of November, to the 22d of March, £30 : 4. 
Seth Miner, for building a yard and pickets about said gaol to secure 
Dr. Church, £19 : 13 : 10. The sheriif of New London county was 
directed not to suffer Dr. Church to go out of a close prison but once 
in a week, and then only with the sheriff in person. 

E. Dyer and William Williams, Esq'rs., were empowered to solicit 
the convention of New York, or in their absence the Council of Safety 
of that colony, for the loan of such a number and such size of cannon 
as they could spare ; to urge the necessity of the measure, and if they 
succeeded, to forward them, and report to the Governor and Council. 
Also to consult with the commander-in-chief at New York on the 
necessity that the two Connecticut regiments under Col's. Waterbury 
and Ward, should continue in service ; also that the two militia regi- 
ments (then lately) ordered there, should remain to see the colonels 
and consult them, and to order them, if needed, to continue in service 
until advice could be received from the Continental Congress, &c., and 
report to the Governor and Council. 

E. Dyer and William Williams, Esq'rs., were appointed to repair 
to Philadelphia, and apply to the Continental Congress for a remit- 
tance of continental bills for this colony, and forward the same, if 
obtained, to the Treasurer of the colony, and to urge upon Congress 
the necessity and expediency of such a supply ; to give information of 
the state and number of Connecticut battalions in continental service, 
and particularly of those (then) lately sent to New York ; also to shew 
the number and circumstances of these troops, and ask directions 
respecting the prisoners of all denominations in this colony, and report 
to the Governor and Council. 



352 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 

The same conimittelwere authorized and directed to confer with 
our delegates in Congress, and others, respecting the state of the united 
colonies, on all things needful for our defence and safety ; on the sub. 
ject and manner of treating the commissioners sent from Great Britain ; 
and inform what they find necessary for the safety and security of New 
York. <kc., and make report to the Governor and Council. 

E. Dyer and William Williams, Esq'rs., were ordered to purchase 
in New York or Philadelphia, a sufficient quantity of rigging for the 
colony ship then building at Saybrook, or sufficient hemp for the same, 
and forward, if in hemp, to James Tilley, at New London ; but if in 
rigging, to Capt. U. Hayden, at Saybrook ; and pay for the same out 
of the money they might receive at Philadelphia. Also to pay Col. 
Sears for sundries which he purchased for the colony, &c. 

David Trumbull was ordered, as soon as possible, to send all the 
colony arms in his hands to Mr. J. Huntington, in Norwich, to be by 
him forwarded to Capt. John Ely, who was stationed at New London ; 
and Col. Williams to deUver five arms in his hands. 

Col. Huntington was directed to procure four hand carts for the 
works at New London. 

John Mills was appointed a lieutenant of the troops for defence at 
the fortifications, at Fairfield. 

Samuel Smedley was appointed lieutenant of marines on board the 
brig Defence, of this colony. 

The guard of 30 men, at New Haven, were augmented to 50 men ; 
and Joseph Thomson appointed captain, with the liberty of one lieu- 
tenant for said company ; the lieutenant to be appointed by Col's. Dyer 
and Williams on their way to Philadelphia, (the next week). 

Voted, that the guns, barrels, and gun-locks, imported into New 
Haven, by Col. Sears, should be purchased for the colony, if suitable, 
and at a reasonable price. Col's. Dyer and Williams going that way, 
were desired to enquire and purchase them if they thought advisable. 

In Session, March 23. 

Capt. Theophilus Stanton, of Stonington, was appointed captain of 
the row galley (then) building at Norwich. 

It was voted, that the men enlisted, stationed on the sea coast of the 
colony, through the (then) ensuing year, who found their own arms 
and accoutrements, by having them appraised, should be allowed 3s. 
for the use of each gun, and if lost or damaged by inevitable Provi- 
dence in the service, should be paid such loss or damage. 

The Governor, was desired by the Council, to direct the committee 
of the lead mine at Middletown, to forward one ton of lead to Mr. 
Nathaniel Shaw, of New London, for the use of the colony. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 353 

Elijah Backus, Esq., was ordered to be employed as soon as possi- 
ble, to manufacture two ship anchors, of 1,200 weight each, for the 
colony. 

Voted, that the row galley, then building at New Haven, should be 
called the Whiting. 

In Session, (at Norwich,) March 27. 
The Governor and Council ordered Mr. James Tilley to purchase 
what rope yarns he could of Mr. Evan Malbone, and what yarns 
might be wanted to furnish the colony ship with cordage for rigging, 
and manufacture the same at the cheapest rate possible. 

In Session, April 1. 

The guard of 15 men, at Lyme, was increased to 30 men, including 
officers, under Lieut. Lee Lay, with three sargeants, to be posted at 
different places on the coast, by direction of the Lieutenant Governor. 

The company under Col. Gurdon Saltonstall, at New London, was 
augmented to 90 men, by enlistment. 

It was ordered, that two companies of 90 men each, (officers 
included) should be raised or drafted, to go to New London harbor ; 
one of which was ordered to be raised out of the 3d regiment, the 
other out of the 8th regiment of militia, with a captain, two lieutenants, 
and an ensign to each company, observing the ranks they sustained in 
the mihtia. 

The colonels and commanding officers of the 5th, 1st, 11th, 12th, 
19th, 21st, and 22d regiments in the colony, were directed forthwith, 
to draft one-fourth of their men in their respective regiments, (exclusive 
of those who were enlisted into the continental service for the then 
current year,) and see them perfectly equipped with arms, &c. 2 
pounds of balls for each, fit for his gun, 6 flints, and hold themselves 
in readiness to march on the shortest notice, to any invaded place. 
And that the colonels or commanding officers of the 3d, 8th, and 20th 
regiments should detach one-third of their men, (exclusive as afore- 
said,) and see them equipped and in readiness, in the same manner as 
aforesaid, and for the same purpose. That the company to be drafted 
out of the 3d regiment, and the one drafted from the 8th regiment, 
should be immediately employed at the fortifications at New London. 
The pay, wages, &c., were to be the same as continental troops in the 
army. 

In Session, April 2. 
An order was drawn on the pay table, of £350, in favor of U. Hay- 
den, to aid him in building the colony ship, at Saybrook. 



354 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 

Also an order in favo^^Capt. Ephraim Bill, for £350, and another 
of £200, to enable him to complete the building and rigging of the 
colony ship, at Saybrook. 

Capt. Richard Dickinson, of Saybrook, was ordered to deliver the 
several articles in his hands that belonged to the brig Minerva, (then 
lately) commanded by Capt. G. Hall, to Capt. Ephraim Bill, and take 
his receipt therefor. 

Capt. Seth Harding, of the brig Defence, was complained of to the 
Governor and Council for his intemperance. The Governor and Coun- 
cil found no cause of removal. 

James Tilley was directed to purchase 2 tons of flax for cordage, 
for the colony ships. 

An order of £500 was drawn in favor of Col. Joshua Porter, of 
Salisbury, to carry on the furnace. 

The selectmen in the towns in the county of New London, on the 
east side of Connecticut river, and the selectmen in Windham county, 
and of East Haddam and Colchester, were ordered to collect the salt 
petre that had been or might be manufactured in their several towns, 
(by an act of the Assembly,) and deliver the same to Col. Elderkin and 
Nathaniel Wales, Jr. Esq. 

Capt. John McClcave was appointed captain of the row galley, Whi- 
ting, and was ordered to take the charge of her ; and Israel Bishop 
was appointed lieutenant of the row galley. Whiting. 

An order was drawn in favor of Job Winslow, for £300, to build a 
row galley at East Haddam. 

An order was drawn for £200, in favor of Capt. J. Lester, for 
building the row galley at Norwich. 

Capt. Josiah Burnham, of Lyme, was appointed master of the brig 
Defence, under the command of Capt. Harding. 

In Session, April 10. 

An order was given by the Governor and Council, on Nathaniel 
Shaw, Jr., to deliver to Capt. S. Harding, 8 of the swivel guns, and 
1,500 pounds of gun powder, and 400 swivel shot, in part of what said 
Shaw had provided for the colony. The order was delivered to Capt. 
Bartram. 

Ebenezer Bartram was commissioned a lieutenant of the brig De- 
fence, the 3d March, 1776 ; Samuel Smedley, 2d lieutenant of said brig 
Defence ; Joseph Squire was commissioned as lieutentant of marines 
of the brig Defence, dated 10th of April, 1776. 

It was voted, that Capt. Harding should proceed up the sound with 
the brig Defence, as far as Stamford, if need be, to enlist men for said 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 355 

brig, and take in some shot in New Haven, and return with all con- 
venient speed to New London. 

£200 was voted to be paid Capt. Harding for the use of the brig 
Defence. 

An order on the pay table was given, of £250, in favor of Capt. 
Edward Mott, for the pay and rations of his company. 

An order was delivered Capt. Bartram. 

An order of £250, in favor of Capt. John Ely, was given to pay the 
men in his company. 

The men to be enlisted in the row galley, Whiting, were to be held 
in service until the 1st day of December, 1776. 

An order for the sum of £700 was drawn on the pay table, in favor 
of William Greenough, and the rest of the committee, for fitting out 
the brig Defence, and building the Whiting. 

An order of £400 was drawn on the pay table, in favor of Col. J. 
Fitch, as commissary, to furnish provisions for the brig Defence. 

An order in favor of Daniel Lyman, of £9, was given for boarding 
Capt. Harding. 

Voted, that Capt. James Rice, of New Haven, should be joined with 
Capt. J. Sears, William Greenough, and Michael Todd, for fitting out 
the brig Defence, and building the Whiting. 

An order was given Nathaniel Miner, Esq., for £150, as commissa- 
ry to the troops at the fort at Long Point, in Stonington ; the order was 
delivered to Nathaniel Gallop. 

Capt. Hezekiah Bissell and Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., were appointed 
to go to New London and consult with Commodore Hopkins, respect- 
ing the measures to be taken in disposing of the continental prisoners 
in his custody. Also to apply to him for some cannon, of different 
sizes, to mount on the forts at New London and Groton ; and consult 
with the commanding officers and engineers in those forts as to the num- 
ber and sizes of the cannon wanted. Also for cannon suitable and 
sufficient for three row galleys. 

The committee to take care of prisoners at Sahsbury, were permit- 
ted, at their discretion, to remove the prisoners in Salisbury to any 
other place in Litchfield county. 

In Session, April 15. 
Mess'rs. Doraison, Gowrridge & Co. were permitted by the Governor 
and Council to purchase a vessel capable of carrying 40 horses, and 
load the same with horses and stores for them, 15 barrels of pork, 30 
barrels of flour, 40 barrels of beef, 40 firkins of hog's lard, and the 
residue of the cargo in lumber, staves, heading, and hoops, and carry 



356 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177(). 

the same to Cape Fran^R. And to bring for return cargo into this 
colony as soon as possible, every kind of military and naval stores, 
molasses, sugar, sulphur, blankets, linen, and any kind of coarse cloths. 

An order was drawn in favor of Capt. Niles, of JC400, for the use 
of the schooner Spy. Nathaniel Backus and B. Huntington were 
appointed fo liquidate the accounts of the schooner Spy. 

Capt. Harding, of the armed brig Defence, of this colony, was 
ordered forthwith to enlist as many men as he could, at New London, 
to finish his complement of 120 men. Capt. Harding was further 
ordered, on the request of Admiral Hopkins, to join the American fleet, 
under his command, and proceed with him on a short cruise against 
the British, and obey his orders, the same as others of the continental 
fleet, during the cruise ; subject, however, to the orders of the Assem- 
bly or Governor and Council. 

Also upon the request of Admiral Hopkins, the Governor and Coun- 
cil ordered Robert Niles, captain of the armed schooner Spy, to join 
the American fleet, under his command, on a short cruise against our 
enemies, and obey the orders of the admiral during said cruise ; sub- 
ject at all times to the orders of the Assembly or Governor and Council. 

The Governor and Council directed to furnish Capt. Grennel, 
Thaddeus Burr, Esq., Capt. Samuel Bi'oom, and Maj. David Dimon, 
of Fairfield, with 500 pounds of gun powder, to send forth an armed 
vessel against the enemies of America ; said powder to be replaced, or 
paid for by them in cash in a reasonable time, at the election of the 
General Assembly or Governor and Council. 

Col. Elderkin and Nathaniel Wales, Esq., were directed to employ 
persons to procure 400 pounds of black lead, at the lead mines at or 
near Union, for the use of the cannon foundry, at Salisbury. 

David Brooks, of Haddam, was appointed lieutenant of the row- 
galley, under the command of Capt. Tinker. 

Col. J. Elderkin and N. Wales, Jr., Esq., were appointed a commit, 
tee to take care of the continental prisoners who had been brought 
into this colony by Admiral Hopkins ; and ordered them to be kept in 
Windham county gaol ; and to order and direct said prisoners in the 
most prudent manner, until further orders from Congress, the General 
Assembly, or Governor and Council. 

Each row galley in the colony, was ordered to be furnished with 
20 lances and poles, and 20 hatchets, by those persons appointed to 
furnish said galleys. 

Col. Elderkin and N. Wales, Jr., were directed to take charge of, 
and provide for Gov. Brown, and Messrs. Irving and Babbage, brought 
in as prisoners from New Providence, and to treat them with that 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 367 

humanity and kindness which were shown to other continental prison, 
ers of their rank. 

Prosper Wetmore, Esq., sheriff of New London county, was directed 
forthwith, to send to the town of Windham, all the prisoners committed 
to him, by order of Capt. Bissell and Jonathan Trumbull, and deliver 
them within the gaol at Windham, to the Sheriff of that county ; who 
was ordered to keep them in safe custody, in said gaol, until further 
orders. 

Is Session, April 22. 

An order was given to Col. Samuel Abbott, of JE2 : 8, for purchasing 
guns for the troops in continental service. 

Benjamin Huntington received an order of £29 : 17 : 3, New York 
currency, for duck which he purchased for the colony. 

The Council desired the Governor to write to Isaac Sears, to meet 
the drafts of Capt. E. Bill, for building and furnishing the colony ship 
for service. 

Allowed an account of Edmund Badger, of j£l : 12 : 6 lawful money, 
for a journey to Providence. 

An order of £400 in favor of Ebenezer Ledyard, Esq., was given 
for the erection of fortifications at Groton. 

Ebenezer Ledyard, Esq., was appointed to contract with Jonathan 
Chester, of Groton, for the engineers to survey as much of his land as 
should be wanted for the fort at Groton, &c. 

Prosper Wetmore, Esq., sheriff, was directed forthwith, to transport 
Thomas Russell, David Arnott, Wm. Cook, and Wm. Willson, conti- 
nental prisoners in his custody, to Windham, and deliver them to the 
keeper of the gaol there, for him to keep safely until further orders. 
Ordered, that Col. J. Elderkin and N. Wales, Jr., should take care and 
provide for four continental prisoners, then in the custody of P. Wet- 
more, Esq., sheriff, who had been ordered to Windham gaol, by the 
Governor and Council. 

An order in favor of Capt. Deshon, for the support of the troops at 
New London, was given. 

In Session, April 29. 
E. Dyer, J. Elderkin, N. Wales, Samuel Gray, and Constant South- 
worth, Esq'rs., were appointed by the Governor and Council, to take 
care of, oversee, and direct the prisoners of war from on board Com- 
modore Hopkins' fleet, who were confined in prison at Windham ; at 
their discretion to take the parole of any officers there, and suffer them 
to be at large ; to dispose of the men at labor, and on their refusal, or 
46 



358 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 

ill conduct, to impriso^pkem, and to deal with them at their discretion, 
according to the orders of the Governor and Council. 

£35 : 7 : 5 was allowed to Simeon Gray, for entertaining the Gov- 
ernor and Council from their first meeting, and for services as an 
express. 

Mr. Miner, the commissary for the company at Stonington, moved 
for a further sum of money ; and the sum of £250 was allowed him, 
to provide for said company. 

A sum was allowed William Lax, of Norwich, for iron and labor, 
in building carriages for cannon. 

Mr. Alden was allowed 13s. 4d. for| entertaining Col. Dyer and 
Col. Elderkin, several times, when attending the Council, dtc. 

Adam Babcock, of New Haven, was permitted to purchase of 
Elderkin & Wales, 200 pounds of gun powder, for his privateer then 
fitting out. And Col. Fitch was authorized, if needed, to lend Mr. 
Babcock some powder out of the colony stores, to be restored from 
Elderkin & Wales' powder manufactory. 

£400 was allowed Capt. James Rice, of New Haven, for his 
expenses in fitting the colony brig, and building the row galley Whi- 
ting, and for expenses in the colony service. 

Zadock Brewster was appointed lieutenant of the row galley, under 
the command of Capt. Theophilus Stanton. Capt. Stanton was 
directed to select four cannon at New London, for the row galley 
under his command, and to see them properly bored and fitted for 



In Session, May 6. 
The Governor received intelligence from the committee of the As- 
sembly of Massachusetts, that a large army of foreign troops, hired by 
the ministry of Great Britain, to lay waste and destroy this country, 
were in fact on their passage to execute their bloody orders, and in 
all probability were near our coast, and might be daily expected, which 
rendered it necessary that immediate preparation should be made for 
defence. Therefoi'e the Governor and Council resolved, that the men 
that had been (then lately) ordered to be enlisted or detached out of the 
1st regiment, and other regiments east of Connecticut river, should be 
forthwith furnished, and completely equipped, armed, &c., and be 
fitted for an immediate march on any emergency. And the command- 
ing officers of said regiments were required, without any delay, to 
direct the commanding officers appointed to command said companies 
of said minute men, forthwith to assemble their men, and carefully 
examine their equipments, and see that they were forthwith furnished ; 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 359 

and if arms and balls could not be otherwise obtained, they were to 
be furnished out of the town stocks, as far as practicable ; and to 
impress arms, if necessary, of such householders, &c., as would be 
the least able or likely to use such arms. And each non-commissioned 
officer and soldier who should be equipped with every requisite, to the 
acceptance of his captain, was entitled to one dollar, and in proportion 
for the value of such articles as they should furnish themselves with ; 
and all such officers and soldiers were to be allowed a reward for the 
use of their arms, ammunition, blankets, &.C., if called into actual ser- 
vice, and for the time necessarily spent in meeting together for exer- 
cise, &:c., at the rate of wages, &c., of the continental army ; and if 
called into actual service, to be paid from the day of their march, as the 
troops in the army were paid. And it was provided, that if the guns, 
&c., impressed, should be lost, the owners should be paid for them the 
value of said guns, &ic. And the captains of each company were to 
see that the arms and ammunition of their companies were deposited 
in some central place of each company, and that it be a place of ren- 
dezvous for the company when called into service ; and make return 
of the rolls of each company, with all their doings, forthwith to the 
Governor. 

In Session, May 11. 
The wood on a 50 acre lot, in Salisbury, of Col. Newton's, pur- 
chased for making coal for the furnace, to be improved for casting can- 
non, was appraised by James Landon and Hezekiah Fitch, Esq'rs., at 
£82 : 10 ; and an order was given to J. Hamlin and Rev. C. Whittle- 
sey for the same. 

In Session, May 13. 
Adam Babcock was authorized to receive 200 pounds of powder, to 
be immediately replaced. 

In Session, May 14. • 

An order of £300 was drawn in favor of Nathaniel Shaw, as com- 
missary and provider of teams, timber, &c., for the use of the troops, 
stationed at New London, to erect forts, &;c. 

WiUiam Griswold was allowed £125 : 12 for the use of the armed 
vessel Minerva, the last year. 

In Session, May 16. 
An order of £500 was drawn in favor of Capt. Hayden, on account 
of service in building the ship of war, at Saybrook. 



360 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 

^iIn Skssion, May 22. 
An order, (in part payment,) was drawn in favor of James Rice, of 
New Haven, for fitting tiie colony brig Defence, and building a row 
galley, at New Haven. 

In Session, May 27. 

An order for £776 : 3 : 6 was allowed in favor of Col. Isaac Sears, 
for purchasing iron, cordage, &c., for the brig Defence, a row galley, 
and a ship at Saybrook. Another order was given said Sears of 
£2 : 4 : 6 for sending expresses with orders of the Governor, and rais- 
ing two regiments to go to New York with Gen. Lee, in January, 1776. 

An order in favor of Samuel Olcott, of Hartford, was given of £72 
for 240 gallons of Jamaica spirits, for the use of the laborers at Salis- 
bury furnace. 

In Session, May 28. 

An order of £300 was drawn in favor of Ebenezer Ledyard, pro- 
vider for a company stationed at Groton fort. Also an order of £25 
to Elderkin & Wales, to pay for gun powder, by them manufactured. 

Hezekiah Lane, of Killingworth, was allowed 26s. for sending ex- 
presses to Col. M. Talcott and Col. J. Fitch, &c., concerning the 
raising of two regiments for New York, by the request of Gen. Wash- 
ington. 

The following orders were paid, viz. : one by Seth Harding, (cap- 
tain of the brig Defence) on Capt. Samuel Squire, in favor of Lieut. 
Smedley, of said brig, for so much as was necessary to pay the marines 
the first months pay, received by said Smedley, being £6L Orders 
also to said Squire, Thaddeus Burr, Edmund Barlow, Hezekiah Sturgis, 
and Ebenezer Hubbell, small charges for the brig £5 : 7 : 8\. 

In Session, May 30. 

All captains of companies and ships or armed vessels, who were pay 
masters of their companies and hands or crews, were ordered to find 
sufficient bonds with sureties. 

An order of £400 was drawn on the pay table in favor of Col. Sal- 
tonstall, captain of a company stationed at New London, to pay said 
company, (without orders, £500.) 

Orders were given to the overseer of the furnace at Salisbury, 
respecting the size of the swivels to be cast, viz. : to one and a half 
inch bore, or one pound shot. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 361 

In Session, May 31. 

(Titus Hosmer, Richard Law, and William Hillhouse, were added to 
the Council, and present.) 

It was moved, that measures should be taken to man and fit the three 
row galleys. The captains of said galleys were notified to appear be- 
fore the Governor and Council, to receive their orders as to manning, 
officering, and fitting out said galleys ; and inform the Governor and 
Council how much money would enable them to pursue their business ; 
and give their bonds, with sureties, as pay masters of their several 
vessels. 

Oliver Welles, of West Hartford, presented his account for seventeen 
days with a wagon, to transport the baggage of Capt. Bigelow's com- 
pany of artillery, in Col. Burrall's regiment, and expenses. Allowed 
£9 : 14 : 6. 

The row galley, commanded by Capt. Stanton, built at Norwich, 
was named " the Shark." Capt. Tinker's row galley, at East Haddam, 
was called "the Crane." 

In Session, June 6. 

Capt. John Ely had an order of £154 ; Capt Ely and Samuel She- 
ther, also of £30. 

Capts. McCleave and Tinker, of the Whiting and Crane, were be- 
fore the Governor and Council ; and it was ordered, that the three 
galleys should be furnished and manned with 50 men each, including 
officers. It was voted, that there should be 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 1 
master, 1 gunner, 1 mate, 1 steward, 2 sargeants of marines, 2 cor- 
porals of marines, 1 boatswain, 1 drummer, 1 fifer, 1 cook, 1 carpen- 
ter's mate, 1 surgeon or mate. 

In Session, June 7. 

Wages of the officers of the row galleys, viz : captain £7 per, month ; 
lieutenant, £5 ; 2d lieutenant, £5 ; master, £5 ; gunner, £4 : 10 ; 
gunner's mate, £3 : 4 ; boatswain, £3; clerks, £3:12; steward, 
£3, &;c. Wages of officers per month, £128 : 16. The officers and 
marines to receive 1 months advance wages on enlistment. £129 : 12 
was advanced to the captains of said galleys, to pay said advanced 
wages to each galley. Capt. Stanton was directed to proceed, without 
delay, on board his galley, and carry such stores as Capt. Bill should 
ship to Saybrook, for the ship at Hayden's yard, and return immedi- 
ately to enlist his men, and fit his galley. 

An order of £200 was voted for Nathaniel Shaw, on Capt. Har- 
ding's account. 



362 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 

An order of £200 to Ep^raim Bill, towards building the ship at Say- 
brook. 

An order of £500 to Capt. Deshon, as commissary of a company at 
New London. 

In Session, June 19. 

An order of £400, given Capt. U. Hayden towards building the 
ship. 

£700 Avas voted to be paid James Tilley, for rigging, &c., purchased 
by him for the use of the colony. 

Ebenezer Peck was appointed 2d lieutenant, and as lieutenant of 
marines under Capt. McCleave, for the galley Whiting ; William Ply- 
mate appointed master of said galley ; Amos Stanton 2d lieutenant, and 
as lieutenant of marines of the galley Shark, at Norwich ; William 
Wilber master of said Shark ; 6s. to be allowed the marines on board 
the vessels and galleys, for finding themselves a gun and cartouch box. 

Four of the colony's cannon, in the custody of Col. Fitch, at New 
Haven, taken from the Minerva, and a proportion of shot, and about 
12 cannister shot, were ordered to be delivered to Capt. McCleave, 
for the use of the galley Whiting, and 25 pounds of powder of Col. 
Fitch. And that the remainder of the colony cannon, at New Haven, 
should be placed at Black Rock, in the care of Capt. Thomson ; and 
the 2 without carriages to be mounted. Also directed said Thomson 
to build a cheap barrack near Black Rock, for the company there ; to 
do the labor with his soldiers, the expense of which was ordered not 
to exceed £25. 

£74 : 10 : 8, allowed Capt. Thomson towards expenses in building 
the fort at Black Rock. Also an order in his favor of £200, for his 
company. Also an order for James Rice, of £200, for services about 
the galley, &c. 

In Session, June 20. 

Six tons of 9 pound ball were ordered to be cast at the furnace, in 
Salisbury ; two and a half tons of 1 and li pound shot, sorted to the 
swivels ; and the pig iron cast there, to remain on hand. 

Capt. Tinker of the galley Crane, was ordered to proceed directly 
to New London. 

Col. Sears was allowed £1,298 : 10 : 8, lawful money, to close his 
whole acconnt. 

An order to Col. J. Fitch, to balance his account, for articles, &c., for 
the brig Defence, £141 : 5 : 11. 

In Session, June 26. 
Lieut. Col. Johnson, appeared before the Governor and Council, for 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 363 

directions. Lieut. Col. Danielson appeared, to resign his appointment. 
James Stedman appointed captain instead of Ripley, resigned. 

Capt. Tinker, of the Crane, was ordered to receive provisions, &c., 
of Capt. Dickinson, at Saybrook, taken from the brig Minerva, to sup. 
ply his galley vt^ith bread, die, and Capt. Bill to deliver the same to 
Capt. Tinker. Mr. Shaw was directed to deliver to Capt. Tinker two 
of the continental 9 pound cannon, at New London, for his row galley. 
Calvin Ely was appointed master, and Elias Lay, 2d lieutenant of said 
galley. The drummer's and fifer's wages to be the same as in the 
land service. All the common powder made at Elderkin & Wales' 
rnill was ordered, forthwith, to be sent to Col. J. Huntington. 

In Session, June 28. 
An order was given for 200 pounds of powder, on Col. Pitkin. 

In Session, July 2. 

The price of powder manufactured in Connecticut was established 
at 5s. 4d. per pound. Maj. Griswold and Capt. Marsh, who were a 
committee for 12 towns in the Coos country, were present, and urged 
the Governor and Council for powder, and stated their apprehensions 
of an attack from Canada. The Governor and Council allowed them 
to purchase of Elderkin &; Wales, 800 pounds, at 5s. 4d. per pound, 
for cash or good security on short payment. Also to receive at the 
furnace, at Middletown, 1000 pounds of lead, at 6d. per pound. 

Samuel Dunn, an agent for the town of Blanford, was allowed to 
purchase at Col. Pitkin's mill, 67 pounds of powder, at 5s. 4d. per 
pound. 

The price of lead was established at 6d. per pound. 

Capt. J. Lester was paid £861 : 16 : 6, for building the row galley 
Shark, being his whole account. 

An order of £50 was drawn in favor of Capt. Lester, advance pay, 
for him and 25 carpenters under him, employed to go to Crown Point, 
at the request of Gen. Schuyler, to build batteaux, (to be refunded by 
the general govei'nment.) 

It was voted, that a quantity of lead owned by Jonathan Kilbourn, 
Esq., of Colchester, and used by him on the water wheel of his saw 
mill, should not be taken from him, for public use, until actually want- 
ed ; and then only by the selectmen of Colchester, without further 
orders. 

500 pounds of gun powder were ordered for the town of Fairfield, 
to be delivered by N. Shaw at New London. 

It was voted that the owners of the privateer sloop Broome, might 



364 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 

receive of N. Shaw, Jj|^ 500 pounds (mostly) of cannon powder, at 
5s. 4d. per pound. 

Lieut. Col. S. Mott was appointed colonel of the the 1st regiment, 
then raising for the northern service, in the place of Col. Douglass, 
resigned. 

Oliver Smith was appointed lieutenant colonel of the regiment at 
New London, instead of Col. Mott, promoted. And Capt. John Ely 
was appointed major of said regiment. 

Maj. Giles Russell, of Col. Sheldon's regiment, was appointed lieu- 
tenant colonel of Col. Sage's regiment, instead of Lieut. Col. Dan. 
ielson. 

Capt. Waterman Cleft was appomted major of Col. Sheldon's regi- 
ment, instead of Maj. Russell, promotedi 

Edward Mott was appointed major of Col. Gay's regiment, in the 
place of Maj. Gallup. 

A letter was received by the Governor and Council from General 
Washington, dated June 28, 1776, which stated that he had been 
advised, that a fleet of 130 sail, left Halifax the 9th ult., bound for New 
York ; and that Gen. Howe had already arrived at the Hook ; and 
pressing in the most earnest manner, that not one moment's time should 
be lost in sending the militia of this colony to New York, &c. Other 
letters had been received by the Governor and Council from the Presi- 
dent of the Continental Congress, which urged the same movements, 
in strong and pressing terms. At this critical time, it was found by 
the Governor and Council that the several battalions ordered by the 
last General Assembly, to be raised out of the militia, for the relief of 
the army at New York, by inevitable difficulties were not, and it was 
feared could not be ready so as to arrive at New York in season for the 
expected attack of the enemy ; and believing that should that be the 
case, the event might prove fatal to the liberties of America, that the 
soldiery of this country had so long and severely struggled to support 
and defend ; and feeling the critical situation, resolved that no efforts 
on their part could be too great, and that nothing should be unattempted 
which might tend to strengthen and serve a cause on which the all of 
America depended. Therefore the Governor and Council resolved, 
that the three regiments of light horse, on the west side of Connecticut 
river, should forthwith, march to New York, well equipped for the 
assistance of the army there, and place themselves under the com- 
mander-in-chief in that department, and remain there until the battal- 
ions ordered by the General Assembly for that service should arrive, 
and no longer than the general should judge necessary. And to en- 
courage said troops in their immediate and ready exertion, the Gov. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 365 

eriior and Council assured them that they might expect such reason, 
able pay and wages, as the Continental Congress, or the General 
Assembly, in their justice should allow ; assuring them further, that 
they need not fear but that the same would be just and satisfactory to 
them. And it was further resolved, that the sum of £1,000 should be 
advanced out of the public treasury, and placed in the hands of Lieut. 
Col. Seymour, to assist said troops in their march, and be properly dis- 
tributed for that purpose, and accounted for on the settlement of their 
pay rolls. It was further resolved, that Lieut. Col. Thomas Seymour, 
(chief officer of said hght horse, in the absence of Col. Silliman,) was 
ordered to transmit his orders to the several majors of said regiments, 
and other officers, and to use his utmost effiDrts in conjunction with 
them, to hasten the preparation and march of said troops, to lead and 
conduct them under their proper officers in said service. 

In Session, July 3. 

Letters of marque, &c., granted for Capt. Thorp, part owner of the 
privateer Broome. 

An order for the balance of E. Ledyard and P. Avery's account, for 
building the fort at Groton , £265 : 7 : 9. 

By a request of Capt. George Elliot, of Killingworth, 150 pounds of 
powder was delivered to the selectmen of said town, by N. Shaw, at 
5s. 4d. per pound. 

On application of Lieut. John Mills, commander of the men sta- 
tioned at Black Rock fort, in Fairfield, for an account of billeting, pre- 
mium for guns, &;c., an order was given for £200. 

Oliver Coit was appointed captain of a company at New London, in 
the place of Edward Mott ; WiUiam Latham, 1st lieutenant ; William 
Whiting, 2d lieutenant ; John James, ensign in said company. 

Martin Kirtland was appointed captain of a company at New Lon- 
don, in the room of Capt. Ely ; Daniel Platts, 1st lieutenant ; Adriel 
Ely^ 2d lieutenant ; Daniel Kirtland, ensign in said company. 

Adam Shakily was appointed captain of a company at New London, 
in place of Capt. Saltonstall, resigned ; John Hempsted, Jr., was ap- 
pointed 1st lieutenant ; Richard Chapman, 2d lieutenant ; Nathaniel 
Richards, ensign in said company. 

Nathan Palmer was appointed captain of the company stationed at 
Stonington, in the place of Col. Smith, promoted ; John Belcher was 
appointed 1st lieutenant ; Clement Miner, 2d lieutenant ; Moses Palmer, 
2d, ensign in said company. 

William Ledyard was appointed captain of an artillery company, to 
be raised at Groton and New London, to serve in the forts there. 
47 



36Q REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 

Nathaniel Saltonstall \v^^ appointed captain of another company of 
matross for said forts. 

An account of Col. S. Mott's, of £48: 14, for examining harbors, 
dec, was allowed. 

N. Shaw was ordered to deliver to the commanding officer at New 
London, or to Col. Smith, for the use of the fort at Stonington, 500 
pounds of cannon powder. 

An order of £330 was given Capt. Samuel Mather, for the pay, 
allowance, wages, die, of his company at New London. 

The committee of inspection for New London and Groton, were 
ordered forthwith, to remove the horned cattle, sheep, and swine from 
Fisher's Island to the main land ; but to leave necessary working 
oxen, cows, sheep, and swine for the use of the families there, at their 
discretion. That said committee should cause them to be appraised, 
by judicious, indifferent men, under oath, at their (then) value in money ; 
and to pay out of the colony treasury to the owners of said stock, such 
appraisal. And said committee were ordered to sell and dispose of 
said stock, at a reasonable price, in behalf of this colony, and render 
an account to the Governor as soon as might be. Also to advise Col. 
Champion, deputy commissary, of the time they should remove said 
stock, that he might purchase such part of said stock as should be fit 
for the use of the army. 

In Session, July 4. 

Capt. Herrick was before the Governor and Council, and represented 
the great fears and distress of the frontier towns, and asked for some 
relief for said towns ; and the Governor and Council concluded upon 
the propriety of writing to Gen. Washington upon the subject, and 
move him to have a continental regiment raised there, 

Capt. Joseph Marsh, of Hartford, on the frontiers, a member of the 
New York Congress, came from New York, and was before the Gov- 
ernor and Council, and gave large accounts of the conduct of affairs 
there. 

Capt. Thomas Stanton received two orders, amounting to £229 : 11 :8, 
for rigging, &c., provisions, &c., for the Shark. 

Six barrels of Montserat sulphur ore, in the hands of Thomas Mum. 
ford, on account of the General Congress, was ordered to be delivered 
for the use of Elderkin 6c Wales' powder mill, and they to account to 
Congress therefor. 

Information was given to the Governor and Council, that vessels 
loaded with provisions, often passed down Long Island Sound, and 
went to sea, at that critical time, when the coast was lined with British 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 367 

ships, and our enemies on board of them in great need of our provis- 
ions, and without which, it was supposed they would be unable to 
carry on their hostile designs against this country. It was also found 
that many of our provision vessels had already fallen into their hands, 
by which they had been supported, and the danger of being captured 
daily increased. It was therefore ordered, that Capt. Niles, of the 
armed schooner Spy, then at New London, or any other armed vessel 
of the colony, should seize, and bring into port, any such provision 
vessel that they should discover about said harbor, offing, or sound, 
bound to sea, and detain the same ; and report the circumstances, 
cargo, and destination of such vessel, the name of the master, place of 
abode, owners' names, their license to sail, &c., to the Governor, and 
take his directions. Provided, that if any vessel so taken, should be 
found furnished with legal clearances from Congress, such were aiot 
to be detained. 

Capt. Stanton, of the Shark, was permitted to receive a supply of 
salted beef, pork, flour, &:c., of Capt. Deshon, for the men on board the 
row galley Shark. And Capt. Stanton was directed to deal out the 
same to his men prudently, without spoil or waste, and keep an account 
of his expenditures, and render his account to the Governor, at the end 
of two months. Said Stanton was also directed to call and receive of 
N. Shaw, at New London, all such shot, powder, and military stores, 
for said galley, as said Shaw should judge necessary. Ahd said Stan- 
ton was ordered to make Stonington harbor his general place of ren- 
dezvous, until further orders, and cruise from thence through Fisher's 
Island sound, as far westward as New London harbor, and east and 
south of Fisher's Island, when he could prudently do so ; and obey 
such signals as Capt. Hardmg, of the brig Defence, and Capt. Niles, 
of the Spy, should make to him. 

Samuel Wheat, of Norwich, was allowed £3 : 18, for carting four 
guns and one load of carriages to Norwich, for the use of the schooner 
Spy. 

In Session, July 5. 
Gov. Franklin, of New Jersey, (son of Dr. Franklin,) was brought 
to Connecticut, ou the 4th of July, 1776, taken by a convention of his 
province, as a virulent enemy of the colonies ; to be confined here, in 
such manner and place as Congress should direct. He was sent to 
Gov. Trumbull, with the following resolves, viz. : " Whereas the Con- 
vention of New Jersey have declared William Franklin, Esq., a viru- 
lent enemy to this country, and a person that may prove dangerous ; 



368 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 

and that the said WilH|^ FrankHn be confined in such place, &c., as 
the Continental Congress shall direct. 

" Resolved, that William Franklin, Esq., be sent under guard to 
Gov. Trumbull, who is desired to take his parole ; and if Mr. William 
Franklin refuse to give his parole, that Gov. Trumbull be desired to treat 
him agreeable to the resolutions of Congress respecting prisoners." 

A letter and resolve were brought before the Council last evening, 
by Thomas Kenny, Esq., officer of the guard of escort. In the morn- 
ing, (5th) a parole was prepared, and said Franklin moved by letter, 
for an alteration in said parole, and for hberty to return to New Jersey, 
on his parole, Avhich was answered in writing by a refusal. Gov. 
Franklin, on finding he could not return to New Jersey, moved the 
Governor and Council, by the said officer, to be permitted to go to 
Stratford. He was informed he might go to Wallingford. Franklin 
returned his message, that Gov. Trumbull might do as he pleased with 
him, &CC. Franklin finally consented to go to Wallingford, and signed 
his parole accordingl)'. 

Job Winslow was allowed the balance of his account for building 
the galley Crane, being £313 : 6 : 10 ; £700 having been before paid 
him. 

In Session, July 6. 

Capt. Niles, of the Spy, (being present,) was directed by the Gov- 
ernor and Council, carefully to attend to the duties of his station, and 
keep a careful watch for any and every hostile ship or vessel which 
might be hovering about the coast ; to take any that he could, and give 
every signal and intelligence concerning them in his power ; to pre- 
vent all smuggling and clandestine management that should be contrary 
to the laws and the embargo of the colony, or'prohibitions of Congress, 
and gave him a warrant for the same. 

Instructions were given by the Governor and Council to Dr. John 
Ely, to visit the army at the north, who were infected with the small 
pox. Two battalions were then raising to reinforce the northern 
army, but as very few of the people of this colony, had had the small 
pox, then so prevalent in that army, it greatly impeded the recruiting 
for that service ; and such as would otherwise have enlisted, fearing 
that should they enlist, that the disease would immediately seize upon 
them, and spread among the new troops as fast as they should arrive in 
camp. It was therefore considered absolutely necessary to remove this 
impediment to the recruiting service, and save the lives of the army. 
To do which, thoy appointed Maj. John Ely, an eminent physician 
and surgeon, of great experience in that disease, to repair, forthwith. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 369 

to the northern army, report himself to the general, &c., and learn the 
true state of the troops with respect to that infectious disease ; to con- 
sult with the general, &:c., on the proper methods to cleanse and remove 
said infection from the army, and prevent its further ravages ; and 
render his best advice, and do all in his power to contribute to the 
health of the army ; and report his proceedings to the Governor, and 
the circumstances of the army, from time to time, until he should 
return. 

The selectmen of Westmoreland, were allowed to receive of Elder- 
kin & Wales,. 200 pounds of powder. 

In Session, July 9. 

Col. Mott presented his resignation of colonel in a northern regi- 
ment. 

The pay table were ordered to adjust and pay Capt. Edward Mott's 
account and pay roll. 

Jesse Brown, (the government post rider to the northward,) was 
allowed £10 towards his expenses. 

j£60 was allowed Maj. John Ely, in part payment of his company's 
wages, &c. 

On motion of Dr. Ely, Peter Granger, (a French neutral) a good 
nurse in the small pox, was permitted to accompany Dr. Ely in his 
northern mission. 

Voted, that Capt. N. Saltonstall's companies of artillery, should 
consist of 40 men each, exclusive of officers, with 1 captain, and 3 
lieutenants for each company, with 8 gunners for each, and pay at 
44s. per month. 

Capt. Niles was allowed H per cent, on his purchases, and pay- 
ment of his crew of the Spy. 

Col. Mott appeared to settle the affair as to his command at the 
north, who had nearly resigned, but who finally accepted. 

In Session, July 10. 

Jonathan Chester, of Groton, appeared and claimed pay for his land 
on which the fort in said town was built, and for special damage ; 
which was agreed to be appraised by men mutually chosen. It was 
agreed that Luke Perkins, of Groton, William Witter, of Preston, and 
William Manwaring, of New London, should appraise said lands 
taken, and such as should be necessarily wanted for the use of the fort. 

Royal Flint, of Windham, was appointed pay master of Col. Ward's 
regiment. 

Capt. Tinker, of the row galley Crane, was directed to take two 



370 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 

3 pounders at the old ijat, at New London, for the galley, and to 
receive eight swivel guns, as soon as they could be obtained ; also ten 
muskets of Col. Williams ; and receive of N. Shaw, Jr., such powder, 
ball, &;c., and military stores as said Shaw should judge necessary ; 
and that he should receive of Capt. John Deshon a supply of salted 
beef and pork, bread, flour, &c., sufficient for the officers, sailors, and 
marines on board said galley. And said Tinker was ordered to provide 
all other provisions for them, and to deal it out prudently, without spoil 
or waste, and such fresh fish as they should take ; rendezvous at New 
London, and cruise from Stonington to the mouth of Connecticut 
river, and southward as far as Montauk Point, with precaution and 
prudence. That his officers, men, &c., in the sea service, should be 
under the rules, &c., of the continental fleet, until further rules should 
be adopted. 

Capt. JVIcCleave, of the galley Whiting, was directed to receive his 
supply of salt provisions, &c., from Capt. Deshon, for his officers, &c., 
on board his galley ; and other necessary provisions, to be provided by 
himself, &c., and render his account at the close of two months ; and 
receive his military stores of N. Shaw, Jr., at said Shaw's discretion ; 
to have 8 swivels as soon as they could be obtained ; to receive 5 mus- 
kets of Capt. Mott, or the officer of his late company, and rendezvous 
at New London, and cruise from Stonington to New Haven, and south 
as far as Montauk Point ; and be under the same rules as the galley 
Crane. 

An order in favor of Capt. Niles was drawn, of £477 : 6 : 9, for the 
balance of the schooner Spy's account, to the 8th day of June, and 
£200 more for the use of the Spy from that time forward. 

Nathaniel Shaw, Jr., of New London, was appointed agent for this 
colony, for naval supplies, and taking care of the sick seamen sent on 
shore. 

The purchasers of pork, by order of the Assembly, were ordered, 
as soon as possible, to inform the Governor the quantity obtained, the 
price paid, and where stored. 

Orders Avere drawn in favor of McCleave and Tinker, for £100 
each, to purchase necessaries for their crews. 

In Session, July H. 

Twenty-five guns repaired by D. Trumbull, sent from Crown Point, 
were ordered delivered to Capt. Huntington, for the use of his company. 

WiUiam Latham, Jr., was appointed captain-heutenant of Capt. 
Ledyard's company of artillery ; John Leeds, lieutenant, and Achus 
Sheffield, 2d lieutenant, of said company. For Capt. Saltonstall's 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 371 

company, Nathaniel Coit, Jr. was appointed to be captain-lieutenant of 
said company ; Daniel Starr, lieutenant, and Samuel Champlin, Jr., 
2d lieutenant. 

The Declaration of Independence, by Congress, was received in a 
letter to Governor Trumbull, from Col. Trumbull. 

Col. O. Wolcott, who by reason of ill health, had returned home 
from Congress ; it was the opinion of the Governor and Council, that 
it was of great importance that the colony should be fully represented 
there, and all attend ; and by a letter from Col. Wolcott, desiring that 
another member should attend in his place ; the Governor and Coun- 
cil appointed William Williams, Esq., as soon as might be, to repair to 
and attend said Congress as a delegate. (Mr. Hosmer and Mr. Will, 
iams having discoursed and partly agreed which of them should attend.) 

William Coit was appointed captain of the ship, then building at 
Saybrook ; Timothy Parker, 1st lieutenant, and David Hawley, 2d 
lieutenant. Capt. Coit was in town, and called in before the Governor 
and Council ; and the Governor gave him advice, instruction, and ad- 
monition as to his conduct, <Sz;c. 

In Session, July 12. 

A letter was received from Col. Pitkin, expressing his apprehensions 
of the danger of his powder mills being destroyed by enemies, as such 
an act had been threatened, &c. The Governor and Council ordered 
guards to be allowed at said mills ; and also at Elderkin & Wales' pow- 
der mills ; and allowed the owners of said mills 4s. for each night they 
should keep such guard, until further orders. 

Letters were received, by express, from Congress, dated July 6, 1776, 
containing information of the passing of the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence, and a copy of it, and required the same to be duly published. 

Letters were also before the Council, from Gen. Washington, of the 
7th and 9th of July, 1776, with the advice, that Lord Howe, with 
1,500 men, were on their passage. Also concerning the colony regi- 
ment of horse, approving the measure, yet expressing his opinion of 
the difficulty of keeping horses, &c. 

The publishing of the Declaration of Independence was largely dis- 
cussed, and postponed. 

Dr. Usher, of the New London regiment, was allowed to purchase 
medicines for said regiment of Dr. Lathrop, or Dr. Dyer, to the amount 
of £10. 

In Session, July 15. 
Capt. Harding arrived from Boston, and gave an account of his 
cruise, and taking the ships and brigs, &c., and his reasons for leaving 



372 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 

the port without orderi^^nd was justified by the Governor and Coun- 
cil for so leaving : — AsKed directions about cleaning, graving, and re- 
fitting ; also about his men, who were probably infected with the small 
pox. He was directed to do what Mr. Shaw should advise. 

The post from Hartford, and Brown, the Albany post, arrived with 
many letters from Gen. Schuyler, Mr. Trumbull, dec. 

A representation was made by the committee of inspection, in Sims, 
bury, of the dangerous situation of New Gate prison ; that many tory 
prisoners had been committed ; that people were alarmed for their own 
safety ; that the keeper of it was uneasy in his situation, and applied 
for a guard about said prison. The Governor and Council allowed a 
guard of two men each night, and more if necessary, to watch and 
guard the prison, and all its avenues, to prevent the escape of the pri- 
soners, and to prevent all access to them by suspicious persons. 

In Session, July 16. 

Brown & Sons and Gardner, of Fisher's Island, applied for com- 
pensation for the stock taken from said Island. It was doubted whether 
the persons above, or Mr. Winthrop, were entitled to receive the money. 
Therefore a letter was wrote to a committee at New London, on the 
subject. 

Mr. Mygatt, the captain of a provision vessel, had been stopped by 
Capt. Niles, agreeable to orders. He moved the Governor and Coun- 
cil to proceed on his voyage, which was considered unsafe, the coast 
being so infested with the enemy. 

Engineer Waters moved for extra wages for the carpenters and ma- 
sons at the fort at New London, — Is. 6d. per day was allowed extra 
to each master mason, master carpenter, and master blower ; and 9d. 
per day for other workmen. 

Engineer Waters was allowed for services from November 23, 1775, 
to 15th of July, 1776, £65 : 19 ; 3. 

An order on the lead mine committee, at Middletown, in favor of Jo- 
seph Webb, for 1,000 pounds of lead, was given, to be replaced by 
the selectmen of Wethersfield, and delivered to Capt. Wadsworth, for 
the army at Cambridge. 

An order of £ 80 was given to William Lax, for building carriages 
used in the armed vessels, for cannon. 

Gen. Washington applied to the Governor and Council for the row 
galleys of the colony to assist in the defence of New York, then attack, 
ed by the British. The Governor and Council ordered, that the row^ 
galleys Whiting and Crane, should proceed immediately to New York, 
and be placed under the command of Gen. Washington. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 373 

Governor Franklin applied to be removed from Wallingford to Mid- 
dietown, which was granted, on the same parole. And the prisoners 
in Hartford and Wethersfield were forbid going to Middletown, with- 
out a special permit from the Governor and committee of prisoners. 

A committee was appointed to purchase all the tow cloth, and other 
suitable cloth for tents, that could be procured in the colony, for our 
troops, for tents and clothing, by a request of Congress. 

Capt. Deshon moved for £2,000, to procure provisions for the regi- 
ment at New London. An order of £1,500 was granted to purchase 
provisions, and a quantity of molasses, to be distributed for the soldiers. 

Gen. Schuyler earnestly requested, that his army should be furnished 
with 1,000 felling axes ; and an order was drawn of £150 to purchase 
said axes for Gen. Schuyler ; also an order in favor of Titus Hosmer, 
of £150, was granted for the same purpose. 

The selectmen of Lebanon stated, that they could not obtain guns 
for Capt. Clark's company, of said town. It was voted, that the Gov. 
ernor should deliver them 15 of the guns and bayonets in his hands, 
which had been fitted up from old barrels, received from Crown Point. 

In Session, July 17. 

The pa)^ master of Col. Ward's regiment was directed to pay, as a 
premium, to each soldier who should provide himself with a gun, 6s. ; 
and 4s. for each bayonet, belt, cartouch box, and knapsack. 

Andrew Huntington, Joshua Elderkin, Chauncey Whittlesey, Jona- 
than Fitch, Samuel Squire, and Lynd Lord, were appointed a commit- 
tee, under a previous vote, to purchase all the toAV cloth in their 
respective counties, and cause the same to be made into tents, in the 
most expeditious manner, for the use of the troops of the colony, and 
report to the Governor. 

It was directed, (under a recommendation of Congress,) to purchase 
a quantity of homemade cloth, (or other cloth if that could not be 
obtained,) of a brown color, for 3,000 coats and 3,000 waistcoats, and 
as many blankets as could be obtained in the colony ; 3,000 felt hats, 
check flannel or linen for 6,000 shirts, 6,000 pairs of shoes, to be col- 
lected and deposited in the proper stores in the several counties, pro- 
portioned to each county. 

Timothy Larrabee was appointed pay master to Col. Mott's regiment. 

It was ordered, that the sojdiers in Col. Mott's regiment should sup- 
ply themselves with four bullets each ; and Col. Pitkin to deliver Col. 
Mott one pound of powder for every eight men in his regiment, and 
the same quantity to Col. Swift's regiment. 

Col. Porter informed the Governor and Council that eighteen 9 pound 
-18 



374 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 

and other cannon we^fcast at Salisbury furnace, (which were much 
wanted.) Col. Jonathan Pettibone w^as appointed a committee to pro- 
cure teams and carriages to transport twenty 9 pound cannon from 
Salisbury to Hartford, and deliver them to Capt. W. Tyley, at Hartford, 
with all convenient speed. 800 pounds of powder were ordered from 
Col. Pitkin's powder mill, to be sent to Col. Porter, for the use of the 
furnace at Salisbury. 

In Session, July 18. 
Mr. Root, in the name of the committee of prisoners and the county 
court, moved to have a yard erected around the gaol, at Hartford, to 
secure the prisoners, which had been resolved by the county court, that 
such a yard was absolutely necessary to be forthwith built. The Gov- 
ernor and Council directed the county court in said county immedi- 
ately to erect such yard, with pickets or plank, in the best and most 
prudent manner ; one half of which expense was directed to be paid 
out of the public treasury of the colony, and the other half by the 
county of Hartford. 

The regiment raised in this colony for the continental service, under 
Col. Andrew Ward, were now ready to march, and orders had been 
ffiven them by the Governor for their march to Boston ; but intelli- 
gence was received, that Lord Howe, with a large body of troops had 
joined Gen. Howe, at New York, and the whole force of the enemy 
appeared ready to fall upon the city of New York, and the places adja- 
cent ; and at the same time the small pox was greatly prevailing in 
and about Boston, and would probably spread in Col. Ward's regi- 
ment, and disenable them for service, if they marched there. There- 
fore the Governor and Council directed Col. Ward to suspend his 
march to Boston, until orders could be obtained from Congress, or 
'Gen. Washington. 

The subject of publishing the Declaration of Independence, was 
/ again taken up by the Governor and Council, and referred to the General 

/ Assembly, at their next stated session. 

V Whereas tories were in the habit of wandering from place to place, 
to spy out the state of the colonies, and give intelligence to the British, 
formed confederacies, &c. ; to prevent which, the Governor and Coun- 
cil resolved, that no person unknown or suspected, whether in the 
character of gentlemen, expresses, travellers, or beggars, should be 
permitted to travel, or pass from town to town in the colony, unless he 
should produce a pass from some Congress, Committee of Safety or 
inspection, some magistrate, general or field officer of the army, stating 
therein, from whence he came, to what place bound, that he was 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 375 

friendly to the States, unless he was well known in the colony. It was 
made the duty of all officers, civil and military, selectmen, committees 
of inspection, sheriffs, constables, grand jurors, and tithingmen in the 
colony, to require all persons travelling as aforesaid, to produce such 
certificate, and to slop and examine them, &c. And it was recom- 
mended in the large towns in the colony, to keep proper watches and 
guards in the night season, and to apprehend any such persons, that 
might travel by night, and practice mischief against the States. 

In Session, July 19. 

£14 was voted for Elderkin & Wales to build a powder magazine, 
in a dry sidehill near their powder mills, made of rough stone, and to 
belong to the colony. 

Mr. Brooks, of Stratford, made a pressing application for a supply 
of powder. An order on Doolittle & Co's. powder mill, at New 
Haven, for 800 pounds, at 5s. 4d. per pound, was given. 

After repeated applications from Gen. Washington for the galley 
Shark to be sent to New York ; the Governor and Council ordered 
that the row galley Shark, under the command of Capt. Stanton, should 
immediately repair to Gen. Washington, at New York, and be placed 
under the directions of Gen. Washington. 

Capt. Harding, of the brig Defence, was ordered immediately to 
cause the brig to be fitted and repaired, and cruise in Long Island 
sound, in proper places, for the best advantage of the colony. 

The Governor was requested to give commissions to such officers as 
were returned, in such companies of men not by law obliged to do duty 
in the militia, as should associate in companies, and stand ready to 
serve the public under the Captain General. 

In Session, July 23. 

Daniel Dee was appointed 2d lieutenant of artillery, under Capt. 
Saltonstall, at New London. 

The Council approved of the Governor's selling to James Phelps, 
of Spencertown, New York, 50 pounds of powder, at 5s. 4d. per pound. 

An order of £200 was drawn in favor of J. Elderkin, to purchase 
tents and clothing for the continental army. 

In Session, July 27. 

The felling axes, requested by Gen. Schuyler, were ordered to be 
sent without delay, by trusty wagoners, to Skeensborough, for the use 
of the army. 

On application of Mr. Jay, from the committee of convention of the 
State of New York, twenty cannon were loaned, viz. : ten 12 pounders, 



376 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1770. 

and ten 6 pounders, al^K furnace in Salisbury, to the State of New 
York, with a suitable proportion of shot for said cannon, and replaced 
or accounted for by said State ; with iron trucks or carriage wheels 
for said cannon, and delivered to Mr. Jay, or his order. 

In Session, July 30. 

Prosper Wetmore, sheriff of New London county, was allowed 
£12 : 2 : 10 for supporting, guarding, &c., twenty -two continental pri- 
soners, taken by Commodore Hopkins, and transporting them with their 
baggage to Windham gaol ; £11:4 for transporting Dr. Church, (by 
order of Congress) from Norwich to Boston, and from thence to Water- 
town, and £9 : 5 for his trouble and expense with said Church when 
a prisoner in his care, from November, 1775, until the 27th of May, 
1776, and for waiting upon him abroad, by order of Congress, being in 
all £32 : 11 : 10 lawful money. 

An order of £1,000 was drawn in favor of, Nathaniel Shaw^, Jr., for 
the Use of the colony. 

The Governor and Council directed Col. Huntington tq proceed to 
New London, with all possible despatch, for the colony, in conjunction 
with his son, to purchase such necessary clothing for the troops as they 
could 'get upon the most reasonable terms. Also to treat with the 
owner of the Bermudian sloop brought into that port by the continental 
fleet, for the purchase thereof; and report his terms, &c., and lay an 
injunction against said sloop's leaving said port until further orders. 
Also to purchase all the swivels and the shot belonging to said guns ; 
one third of the cannon and shot, and 100 stand of arms, and all the 
lead shot brought into said port, by a French sloop. 

In Session, July 31. 

William Nichols, of Hartford, was appointed pay master of Col. 
Heman Swift's regiment. 

Nehemiah Hubbard, Jr., of Middletown, was appointed pay master 
of Col. Charles Burrall's regiment. 

Samuel Champlin, Jr., of New^ London, was appointed 3d lieutenant 
on board the colony ship, under Capt. Coit. 

Azariah Whittlesey, of Saybrook, was appointed master of the 
colony ship, under Capt. Coit. 

An order of £250 was drawn in favor of Capt. Coit, to enlist his men, 
and first months pay, and lodge his bond as pay master. 

Mr. Law was desired, by the Governor and Council, to compile a 
code of laws for the naval service of the colony, in conformity to the 
laws of the naval service of the united colonies, as near as might be, 
and lay the same before the Governor and Council. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1770. 377 

Capt. Coit was ordered to sail the colony ship to Now London as 
soon as possible. 

Mr. N. Shaw, Jr., was directed to provide supplies, arms, ham- 
mocks, &c. &c., and every needful thing to fumish said ship fit for sea, 
as soon as it lay in his power. 

Eliphalet Roberts, of Hartford, was appointed captain of marines on 
board said colony ship. 

John Prentice, 2d, of New London, was appointed 1st lieutenant of 
marines of said ship. 

Six midshipmen were allowed said ship. 

Capt. Coit's men on board said ship, were enlisted to be held in ser- 
vice until the 1st day of May, 1777, unless sooner discharged. 

Gurdon Saltonstall was alloM^ed his expenses, in building the fort at 
New London, being £176 : 12 : 10. 

J. Elderkin, Esq., was directed to purchase what ravens duck he 
could in Providence, for the colony's use. 

In Session, August 1. 

David Trumbull was directed to deliver Lieut. Wales, 12 guns and 
bayonets and belts, for the use of Capt. Stedman's company. 

Letters were sent to all the towns, urging them to forward the enlist, 
ments. 

Letters from the convention of New York, were sent by Mr. De- 
Payster, respecting the prisoners sent from New York to Litchfield 
gaol, were read ; and thereupon ordered, that the Mayor of New 
York should be brought to Hartford ,and there confined. Gilbert Forbes 
and William Forbes were directed to be confined in Litchfield gaol, 
and the other ten to be taken to Norwich gaol, and warrants sent to 
the respective gaolers. 

£600 was ordered paid to Andrew Huntington, for the purchase of 
clothing, tents, &;c., for the continental army. 

In Session, August 2. 

An order was given Col. Pettibone on Col. J. Porter, to deliver to 
him for the use of the colony, 40 tons of pig iron, and 1 or 2 ton of 
2 pound shot, to be by him transported to Connecticut river. 

The Governor and Council had been informed of the great necessity 
of the northern army for an immediate supply of clothing, at Crown 
Point and Ticonderoga. Therefore ordered, that such part of the ar- 
ticles of clothing as had been procured in the State, under the order 
of Congress, should be forwarded to the army, without waiting for 
particular orders ; and the Governor was desired to order the same 
forAvarded to the army. , 



378 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 

Capt. Deshon find ^|^Sha\v, Jr. were instructed to purchase the 
New Prdvidence sloop, owned by Charles Walker, (which lay at New 
London,) for this colony, and have it fitted as an armed vessel, at tne 
cheapest rate in their power, and execute the contract on the part of 
the colony, and procure writings of conveyance to the State to be per- 
fected ; and that Capt. Harding should fit up said sloop as an armed 
brigantine, with the greatest despatch ; and use the masts, sails, rig- 
ging, guns, &;c., and the furniture of the brig Defence, under his com- 
mand, for that purpose ; and employ the men of said Defence in fitting 
said sloop. And Mr. Shaw was directed to furnish Capt. Harding 
with all things necessary for said purpose. 

Eliphalet Dyer and Richard Law, Esq'rs.,. were directed to repair 
immediately to New York, and confer with Gen. Washington, on meas- 
ures to be pursued by this State, for the defence and security of this 
and the other States, and to frustrate the designs of the enemy. 

An order of £200, in favor of Dr. J. Elderkin, to purchase tents 
and clothing for the continental army, was given. The Governor drew 
an order in favor of Chauncey Whittlesey, of £1,000, for the same 
purpose. 

In Session, August 9. 
An order was drawn for two months billeting, for the forces at Fair- 
field, under Lieut. John Mills. Liberty Avas given the selectmen of 
said Fairfield to take at the furnace, one 12 pounder and one 18 poun- 
der, if to be had, if not, two 12 pounders ; also a ton of shot suitable for 
the cannon in said fort, subject to the order of the Assembly. 

In Session, August 10. 

A number of tory prisoners were sent from Albany, to be confined 
in the gaol at New London, and none of them to go at liberty without 
a trusty guard, (and by land only,) not more than a half-mile distance 
from the gaol. 

An order of £10, in favor of Ensign John Fisk, of Col.^ Elmore's 
regiment, to support his party of tory prisoners, sent from Albany, to 
be repaid by said Fisk, or the Albany committee. 

In Session, August 11. 

Isaac Doolittle & Co., of New Haven, were ordered to deliver 1000 
pounds of powder to the selectmen of New Haven, as town stock. 

The Governor, by advice of his Council, directed the commanding 
officers of the 1st, 2d, 4th, 6th, 9th, 10th, 13th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th» 
19th, 22d and 23d regiments of militia in this State, to march forth- 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 379 

with to New York, and place themselves under Gen. Washington, until 
the (then) present exigency should be over. 

Twenty shillings was ordered to be paid each militia man, by the pay 
master, towards wages, before marching for New York. 

In Session, August 12. 

An order was granted to Jesse Root, of £3,600, as pay master of 
advance wages of the officers and men of the 2d, 4th, 9th, 10th, 13th, 
15th, 16th, 17th, and 18th regiments ordered on duty to New York, by 
him to be paid to the commanding officer of each regiment, at the rate 
of 20s. a man. An order of £300 was given to pay the 22d regiment. 

Capt. S. Squire, of Fairfield, was ordered to procure for the brig 
Defence, 40 barrels of pork, 40 barrels of beef, 40 bushels of beans and 
peas, and 40 bushels of corn. 

Capt. Harding, of the brig Defence, was ordered to cruise against 
the enemy, as soon as the brig should be fitted to sail, for about eight 
weeks, and use every precaution to cause any prize he might take, to 
be brought into some port of the United States, and there secured and 
condemned ; and when his cruise should be closed, to return to his 
place of rendezvous. 

An order was given in favor of Capt. John McCall, of the veteran 
guards of the 20th regiment of militia, ordered to New York, for 20s. 
advance pay for each soldier in his company, who should march to 
New York. He was ordered immediately to march and join the 19th 
regiment, and place himself and company under Gen. Washington. 

Oliver Wolcott, Esq. was appointed brigadier general of the militia 
ordered to march to New York, to reinforce the army under Gen. 
Washington. 

An order of £10 was given to aid Daniel Strong to pay his expen- 
ses, with his team with goods and warlike stores for the continental 
army, in the northern department. 

In Session, August 13. 
An order of £180 was drawn in favor of Capt. Seth Warner, of 
SaybrGK)k, to raise a crew of 40 seamen, for naval service on the 
lakes at the north. 

In Session, August 14. 

Young Ledyard was appointed a lieutenant of artillery in the com- 
pany at Groton, under Capt. William Ledyard. 

An order of £150 was given in favor of Nathaniel Miner, commis- 
sary of the company at Stonington. 



380 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 

i| Session, August 15. 

As medicines could not be obtained at the northwai'd for the army, 
the Governor gave Dr. Thomas Russell, of Col Swift's regiment, a 
small quantity, and directed Smith & Coit, of Hartford, to furnish him 
with such medicines as were needful. 

An order for Dr. J. Elderkin, of j£400, was drawn for him, to pur- 
chase tents, &c., for the continental army in the northern department. 

An account of 26s. was allowed Edmund Badger, for the hire of a 
horse, for John Vanaulin, an express from Gen. Washington to Boston. 

John Munro and Henry Vanschaik, two of the prisoners sent from 
Albany into this State ; the said Munro for enlisting soldiers for the 
British army, and being himself an officer; the said Vanschaik, for 
being a disaffected person, and corresponding with the tories in Con- 
necticut, were sent to East Haddam, under thoir parole of honor, to 
continue there, and not depart more than two miles from Connecticut 
river, if placed within two miles of the same ; hold no correspondence, 
by letter or writing, with the British or tories ; do nor say any thing 
in prejudice of the United States, or their acts or resolves ; hold no 
correspondence with any prisoners of war, &;c., on penalty of close 
confinement. 

In Session, August 16. 

£180 was ordered to be paid to Capt. David Hawley, to raise a 
crew of seamen for the naval service of the United States, on the lakes, 
for which service he was appointed captain. 

The same sum of £180 was paid to Capt. Frederick Chappell, of 
New Haven, to raise a like crew for the same purpose, to which ser- 
vice he was appointed captain. 

An order in favor of Capt. Walter Hyde, of £50, was drawn for 
the independent company under his command, of 20s. for each man, 
before marching. 

The British had frequent intercourse with the people of Block Island, 
and there being danger of giving intelligence that might prove danger- 
ous to the liberty of the country ; the Governor and Council voted, that 
after the 20th of August, 1776, no boat from said island should enter 
any creek, inlet, or harbor, in this State ; for a violation of whicti, such 
boats should be seized and kept in safe custody, with the persons on 
board. And the commanding officer of the troops at the different forts^ 
on the sea coast of the State, all the captains and chief officers of any 
armed vessels in the State service, were required to carry fully into 
effect the provisions of said resolve. 

An order of £2,168 was drawn in favor of Charles Walker, of New- 
Providence, for a large sloop to be used as a ship-of-war. 



REVOLUTIOIVARY WAR, 1776. 381 

Capt. Adam Shapley had an order of £63 : 8, for the bounty and 
first months pay of his men. Maj. John Ely had an order of £50. 

The sheriff of New London county was directed to suffer the pri- 
soners from the State of New York, confined at Norwich, to take the 
air one or two days each week for their health, under the sheriff's 
personal attendance and keeping, and to walk in the jail yard in the 
day time, at the sheriff's discretion. 

In Session, xVugust 17. 

An order was drawn in favor of one or two persons, as the Governor 
approved, to take the charge of an armed vessel or vessels, on the lake, 
agreeable to a request of Maj. Gen. Schuyler, for £180 lawful money 
each, to pay the bounty, premium for guns and bayonets, &c. And it 
was voted to allow the captains and recruiting officers for raising said 
crews of seamen on the lakes, 8s. lawful money, for each man enlisted, 
as a compensation. 

Henry Billings, of Norwich, was appointed 3d lieutenant of the 
armed brig Defence, and first prize master on the cruise said brig was 
then ordered ; and his wages to cease on the condemnation of the first 
prize, or at the end of said cruise. 

In Session, August 20. 

An order was drawn in favor of Capt. James Chamberlain, for 
advance wages of 20s. per man for his company ordered to New York. 

The Governor was authorized to furnish Capt. McCall and Lieut. 
Jacob Dewitt, of Norwich, with fire arms to supply their men, out of 
the colony arms in the hands of David Trumbull. 

A company was formed of the men of the horse, under Capt. J. 

Cha mberlain , and reported to the Governor, and approved. James 

' Chambejlain was chosen captain ; Noah Chapin, Jr., lieutenant ; and 

Simon Chapman, ensign ; which company and officers were established 

to serve as a foot company of militia in defence of the States. 

In Session, August 21. 
A lieutenant, 1 sargeant, and 15 men were ordered to be detached 
from Capt. Thomson's company, at Black Rock, in New Haven, to go 
to Milford and assist in building a fort at that harbor ; with liberty for 
the selectmen of Milford to take four colony cannon from Salisbury 
furnace, viz. : three 9 pounders and one 12 pounder, and one ton of 
shot, to be used in said fort. Isaac Doolittle & Co. were ordered to 
deliver to the selectmen of Milford, 300 pounds of gun powder, for 
their use in the fort. 

10 



382 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 

Chatham also had an^Pler for 300 pounds of powder. 

Middletown had an order for 500 pounds of powder. 

The committee of the lead mine had an order for 300 pounds of 
powder. 

Bela Elderkin, of Windham, was appointed lieutenant of marines, 
on board the ship-of-war owned by this State. 

James Jauney, Esq., of New York, was sent to Connecticut, by 
order of Gen. Washington, and on his parole to continue in Middle- 
town. He applied to the Governor and Council for liberty to go to 
Westchester, in the State of New York, and to bring his and his son's 
families to Middletown ; which was granted by the Governor and 
Council. 

In Session, August 27. 

Doolittle & Atwater had manufactured at this date, 4,100 pounds of 
powder, at New Haven. 

An order of £ 300 was issued in favor of J. Fitch, of New 
Haven, to purchase clothing and tents for the northern army ; the 
order was given payable in continental bills, lodged in the treasury by 
Mr Sherman. 

Capt. Michael Melally was appointed 1st lieutenant of the armed 
ship Oliver Cromwell ; John Smith, of East Hartford, was appointed 
3d lieutenant of the ship Oliver Cromwell ; John Chapman, of New 
London, was appointed 2d lieutenant of the Oliver Cromwell. 

Orders were given to forward camp kettles to the northward, as 
they were much wanted. 

In Session, August 28. 

An order was drawn in favor of Ebenezer Ledyard, of £1,000, 
commissary of the troops of the fort in Groton, for supplies and build- 
ings there. 

An order was given N. Shaw, Jr., of £625 : 4, for money he ad- 
vanced Capt. Harding, to furnish and fix the brig Defence. 

An order of £600 was drawn in favor of Andrew Huntington, for 
the purchase of tents and clothing for the army at the north, to be paid 
in continental money. 

An order of £500 was given in favor of Joshua Elderkin for the 
same purpose, payable in like money. 

A like order in favor of Samuel Squire, was given for the same pur- 
pose, of £500. 

The sheriff of New London county was directed to transport all the 
prisoners from Albany, then in New London gaol, to the town of 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 383 

Preston, and deliver them to the committee of inspection of said town, 
there to be kept on their parole, viz. : William Pemberton, Alexander 
Campbell, Thomas Swords, Samuel Anderson, and Joseph Anderson, 
to be supported at their own expense. And William Scott, John Scott, 
Jacob Timmerman, Nicholas Weaver, Ralph Watson, John Duzen- 
berry, Frederick Williams, Henry Wytenhousen, Dugall Campbell, 
Benjamin Grinman, Owen Conner, William McMullen, Israel Osborn, 
and Samuel Messenger, to be allowed to labor for their suppoit, under 
the inspection of the committee of said Preston. 

Ix Session, September 1. 
The Governor directed Samuel Squire to send to New York, 200 
pounds of salt petre, to Gen. Wolcott. 

The commanding officers of the 3d, 5th, 8th, 11th, 12th, 20th, 21st 
and 25th regiments of militia, were ordered forthwith, to call out their 
regiments, and see them equipped and marched to New London ; from 
thence to embark for Long Island, and there land in the most conven. 
ient place, to march to the assistance of our army against the troops 
and mercenaries of the King of Great Britain on that island, or to be 
stationed at New London, as circumstances might require. 

Erastus Wolcott, colonel of the regiment at the forts at New London, 
Groton, &c., was ordered, without delay, to put his officers and soldiers, 
stationed at said forts, in readiness to embark for Long Island ; and to 
see the sound clear, that they might safely pass the same, and forth- 
with embark with them to Long Island, and there co-operate with our 
forces on the island, and command them in such manner as to secure 
and defend the inhabitants ; assist to dispose of the stock with safety, 
and annoy the enemy as he should be able ; to take with him six field 
pieces, and direct those who should follow him to bring the other can- 
nons from the forts ; to use prudence in engaging men, and take with 
him one of the captains, and a suitable number of officers, and 25 
matrosses for the service. Nathaniel Shaw, Jr., was ordered to supply 
the troops so ordered to Long Island, with stores of powder and trans- 
ports, and employ a sloop of Capt. Jabez Perkins for the service. 
And Capt. Deshon was directed to supply the troops with bread, flour, 
and other provisions necessary for the troops. 

In Session, September 2. 
Intelligence arrived by Col. Marsh, from New York, that our troops 
had withdrawn from the islands near New York, and that they were 
about to make a stand at some more convenient place. The Governor 
sent an order to Col. Wolcott not to embark for Long Island until 
farther orders. 



384 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 

An order was dra^jMf £300 in favor of Capt. Hayden, towards 
building the ship Oliver Cromwell. 

In Session, September 3. 

Jabez Huntington, Richard Law, Jedediah Elderkin, William Hill- 
house, Nathaniel Wales, Jr., and B. Huntington were appointed to 
repair immediately to New London, to observe the situation of our 
troops, the state of the sound, whether infested with the enemy ; and 
to consider and direct what measures were best, with regard to the 
inhabitants and stock on Long Island ; hdw to preserve them from the 
enemy, and determine on the propriety of sending troops to the island ; 
to take care that suitable stores of ammunition, provisions, and every 
necessary, according to their determination should be made, and give 
their directions to Col. Wolcott ; to give directions concerning the 
colony vessels, particularly the one Capt. Harding had sailed in, and 
order, if they saw fit, that she should be fitted for a guard vessel at 
New London, and on the sound ; and report their doings to the Gov- 
ernor. 

In Session, September 5. 

All the troop of horse in the colony, east of Connecticut river, were 
ordered forthwith, to march towards New York, as far as Westchester, 
and there to wait farther orders, to co-operate with the continental 
troops. 

The prisoners at New London, that had been ordered to reside at 
East Haddam, were permitted to reside at Middletown, upon their 
parole, and Sherbrook to reside in Wethersficld, upon his parole. 

The committee appointed September 3, 1776, to repair to New Lon- 
don, <kc., reported, that they found Long Island in the hands of the 
British, and the people of the island in great distress, and removing 
themselves and their efiiects ; and advised the committees of inspection 
of New London and Groton, to pursue the advice, and answer the 
requisitions of the Congress of New York, with regard to assisting the 
inhabitants of Long Island to go off with their effects to the main ; and 
advised Col. Wolcott to put as many of his men on board the trans. 
ports as should be thought sufficient to assist and guard them in their 
escape from the island. Also advised the armed vessels in the harbor 
to go as convoys to the transports without delay. 

In Session, September 6. 

Voted £80 to William Lax, to aid him in making carriages, for can- 
non in this State. 

An order was given to the 3d, 5th, 8th, 11th, 12th, 20th, 21st, 25th 
and 7th regiments of militia, and to the 2d and 4th regiments of horse. 



REVOLUTIONARY VVaR, 1776. 385 

forthwith, without delay, to call out their regiments, and see them 
equipped and march towards New York, and rendezvous at or near 
Westchester, and to remain there until farther orders ; to be ready to 
co-operate with the continental army, and defeat the designs of the 
enemy, who appeared to be endeavoring to throw over a force upon 
the main, to cut off our communication with New York by land and 
water. 

The militia of this State, east of Connecticut river, had been ordered 
to march to Westchester, unprovided for ; therefore Jonathan Fitch 
and Samuel Squire were directed to make all necessary provisions for 
them . 

It w^as ordered, that two companies of the regiment at New London 
and Groton, under Col. Wolcott, should be detached by Col. E. Wol- 
cott, and marched towards New York, and join themselves to the regi- 
ment of militia under Col. Saltonstall ; and Maj. John Ely, of Wolcott's 
regiment, was ordered to proceed with the two companies, and take 
command in the regiment under Col. Saltonstall, in his rank. And it 
was ordered that the vacancy made in Col. Wolcott's regiment should 
be supplied by men in Col's. Coit's and Saltonstall's regiments of 
militia, that could not at that time be equipped and armed for immedi- 
ate service. 

A guard of 15 men was ordered stationed at the mouth of Connec- 
ticut river, on the east side ; and John Griswold, of Lyme, was 
appointed the officer of said guard ; and was ordered to proceed imme- 
diately to enhst out of the militia, or other able bodied men, with the 
same wages as other troops of the State, and 9d. per day for billeting. 

An order of £44 : 1 : 3 was drawn in favor of Capt. William Tyley, 
for a cask of Jamaica spirits purchased of Capt. John Chenevard, for 
the use of the State. 

In Session, September 7. 
An order was given to William Morgan, Esq. , to purchase 200 fat 
sheep, and drive them to the northern army, and deliver them to the 
commissary, by order of Gen. Waterbury. 

In Session, September 9. 

Orders w^ere given to Capt. Zebediah Smith, master of the prize 
schooner Elizabeth and Hannah, at Newport, taken and sent in by the 
armed schooner Spy ; to embrace the first fair wind, when the coast 
should be clear of the British, and proceed with said prize to Norwich, 
and cause her to be condemned as soon as might be. 

One of the committee of pay table was ordered to receive out of the 
treasury a sufficient sum to pay 20s. to each man ordered to New 



386 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 



York, and to go to Nq^^aven, and there pay to the colonels of each 
regiment 20s. for each man in his regiment, and by the colonels to be 
paid over to the men. 

Martin Leffingwell was ordered to deliver to the selectmen of Nor- 
wich, a chest of arms in his care, left with him by Mr. Lay, of Lyme. 

The selectmen of the towns were directed to proceed, on the usual 
plan, for furnishing the men ordered to march ; and those men who 
had balls fitted for their own guns, were ordered to use them. 

Elderkin 6i Wales were directed to send one ton of Connecticut 
powder to Col. J. Fitch, at New Haven. 

Two prisoners who were in the custody of Lieut. Col. Livingston, 
at Saybrook, (if on examination they should be found guilty,) they were 
ordered to deliver them to the committee of inspection at Saybrook, 
and by them sent to Colchester, to be kept on parole. 

In Session, September 10. 

The military companies in the 1st and 3d societies in Saybrook, 
were excused from marching to New York with their regiment, but to 
remain at home, to assist in erecting the fort. 

Gurdon Saltonstall, Esq., was appointed brigadier general of the 
nine regiments of militia of this State, ordered to march to Westches- 
ter, in New York. 

Oliver Smith was appointed lieutenant colonel of the 8th regiment 
of militia, for the expedition towards New York, and was ordered to 
proceed with said regiment towards New York. 

The 1st and 2d companies of militia, in New London, were excused 
from marching with the regiment towards New York, but were per. 
mitted to remain at home, to defend the port and harbor of New 
London. 

Dr. Thomas Gray was appointed surgeon's mate of the ship OHver 
Cromwell. 

An order on the pay table was drawn, of JG500, in favor of Ebene- 
zer Backus, major and commander of the 2d and 4th regiments of 
horse, ordered to march towards New York, to provide for, and support 
his troops on said expedition. 

The pay table were directed to liquidate the accounts of the select, 
men of the several towns, incurred in furnishing the militia with guns, 
&c., for service. 

In Session, September 12. 
The selectmen of New Haven were authorized, at their own expense, 
to take three 12 pound cannon from Salisbury furnace, for their forts ; 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 387 

and one ton of assorted shot for the cannon at said forts, there to be 
used until farther orders. 

Mr. Hosmer was directed, as soon as might be, to procure some 
person to go directly to Simsbury and Salisbury, if necessary, and for- 
ward the 6 pound cannons that were ready, to Hartford or Middletown, 
with shot for the cannon, (and to consult with Mr. Humphrey on the 
subject,) and procure carriages for them ; also to bring the swivels 
and shot for them, and to have 20 of the swivels, swiveied at Hartford. 

In Session, September 18. 

Col. Porter was ordered to cast proper wheels and bed for a powder 
mill for Col. Pitkin, for the powder mill at Hartford. 

An order of £220 was given Col. Pitkin for making powder for the 
State. 

Liberty was given to James Church, of Hartford, to export a cargo 
of the value of £70 to the West Indies, to purchase salt to be brought 
into this State for the inhabitants. 

Col. Samuel Coit, by his age and infirmity, was excused from service 
in the expedition to New York. 

An order of £1,000 was drawn in favor of Jonathan Fitch. 

Asahel Case, of Norfolk, had an order for 40 pounds of powder, for 
the town. 

An order of £50 was paid Capt. Elijah Hyde, for advance pay, in 
part of wages to his company of horse on their march to New York. 
Also an order was given on Lieut. Col. Livingston, for 8 guns for said 
company. And an order for 20s. per man was given for said com- 
pany, to march under Capt. Andrew Lathrop. 

A great number of the distressed inhabitants of Long Island, by the 
advice of the Convention of New York, had fled from the enemy into 
this State, and many others expected, in a miserable, destitute, and 
helpless condition, and required the aid of our inhabitants ; and as there 
was no law of the State which applied to a case like theirs : — The 
Governor and Council resolved, that the committees of inspection in 
the towns, where such distressed islanders came, were advised to pro- 
vide all things necessary for them, until the Assembly should sit, in 
October (then) next, and then lay the same before them for advice. 

It was represented to the Governor and Council, that many of the 
troops from this State, were returning home sick and wounded, and 
had been exposed to suffer for want of accommodations and refresh- 
ments ; the Governor and Council resolved, that convenient hospitals 
should be provided for the accommodation of the troops near New 
York, who were sick, on furlough, or discharged. And that one or 



388 REVOLUTION A.RY WAR, 1776. 

more such hospitals sHiRd be provided in each town, from New Ha- 
ven to King's Bridge, in the State of New York ; and a suitable per- 
son employed at each of such hospitals, to see them furnished with 
provision and refreshments for the sick or Avounded soldiers, and pro- 
perly attended and taken care of. And the selectmen in the towns from 
New Haven to Greenwich, Avere empowered in behalf of this State, 
to provide such hospitals, in their respective towns, and procure per- 
sons to provide for and oversee said hospitals ; and examine into the 
state of sick soldiers of this State on the road home, and afford them 
such assistance as they should judge necessary. Elkanah Tisdale was 
appointed to provide such hospitals in the State of New York, to King's 
Bridge, and appoint overseers to furnish them, &c. And an order of 
£100 was drawn in favor of said Tisdale, to enable him to carry said 
resolve into execution ; and to leave attested copies of said resolve 
with the selectmen aforesaid ; and advise with and ask the assistance 
of the committees in the State of New York, and of Gen. Washing- 
ton, in executing said resolve ; for which said Tisdale was to be allow- 
ed 6s. per day, with his expenses and horse hire. 

In Session, September 20. 

An order of £31 : 13 : 8, was given in favor of Noadiah Hubbard, 
of Middletown, for carting clothing to the northern army. 

An order of £1,200 was drawn in favor of Chauncey Whittlesey, 
to enable him to pay for goods purchased for clothing for the continen- 
tal army, and to continue his purchases for the same purpose. 

On the 24th of September, 1776, Col. J. Huntington, Col. Jedediah 
Elderkin, Titus Hosmer, and Nathaniel Wales, Jr., Esq'rs., met and 
assisted the Governor in business of the public. 

In Session, September 26. 

The same gentlemen aided the Governor in the same business. 

An order of £600, lawful money, was drawn for Capt. Coit, of the 
Oliver Cromwell, for colony use. 

Another order in favor of Capt. Ephraim Bill, of £300, lawful mo- 
ney, on account of the ship Oliver Cromwell. 

Simeon Tucker, of Rhode Island, had an order for 10 pounds of 
powder, at 5s. 4d. per pound. 

Benjamin Henshaw was allowed £31 : : 10, for carting guns from 
Salisbury. 

Col. J. Porter was allowed £500, for the furnace at Salisbury. 

The overseers of the furnace were directed to cast 6 and 4 pounders 
until farther orders from the Assembly. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 389 

It was voted, that John Hudson & Co., from Long Island, should 
be encouraged, to depend upon purchasing four 4 pound cannon and 
four swivels, of this State, as soon as they could be cast, and finished, 
by their paying the customary price. 

Also Lyon & Co., of East Haddam, to have two 6 pounders, and 
eight 4 pound cannon, of this State, for their privateer, as soon as 
cast, by their paying the usual price. 

Also Capt. Jabez Perkins to have two 4 pound cannon as soon as 
cast, for his privateer, or letter of marque, on the same terms. 

In Session, September 27. 

The overseers of the furnace at Salisbury, were ordered to deliver 
the agents for building the continental ship at Chatham, twenty-four 
12 pounders, and six 6 or 4 pounders, by their paying at the rate of 
£3 : 10 per hundred weight for the 12 pounders, and £4 per hundred 
for the less cannon. 

An order of £30 was given to one of the pay table, to enable him 
to go to Gen. Washington, with Gov'rs. Brown and Skene, to deliver 
them to his care, and render his account. 

Ten pounds were voted in favor of Lieut. Thomas Bill, to enable 
him to apprehend deserters from Col. Burrall's regiment, and return 
them to their duty. 

Dr. Joshua Elderkin, of Windham, was directed to provide a suf- 
ficient quantity of tow cloth for 140 hammocks, for the ship Oliver 
Cromwell, and forward such as he had on hand, and purchase 400 
yards in the whole, and send it to Capt. Bill for said purpose. 

In Session, October 1. 

The overseers of the furnace were ordered to cast a suitable propor- 
tion of 4 pound shot for the cannon cast there ; and to cast for Capt. 
J. Perkins, of Norwich, about 40 or 50 shot for the two cannon he was 
to have. 

Andrew Huntington was permitted to purchase at the furnace, two 
4 pounders, and six swivels, with shot suitable, at the usual prices. 

It was recommended to the committee of inspection of Norwich, to 
proceed, relative to the people, stock, «Scc. from Long Island, as had 
been done by the towns on the sea coast, in pursuance of the request 
of the convention of the State of New York. 

Capt. Niles, of the Spy, was ordered to get ready, with all possible 

despatch, and cruise in the sound, between Montauk Point and Stam- 

ford, to watch the movements of the enemy, and give information in 

the best manner for the security of the navigation belonging to the 

50 



390 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776, 

United States, and tl^Rowns particularly on the sound, and to annoy 
the enemy, until further orders. 

Capt. Deshon had an order of £1,500 to provide for the troops at 
New London. 

Sargeant John Spencer, of Capt. Wells' company, in Col. Wolcott's 
regiment, with 7 or 8 seamen or marines of the same, were permitted 
to enlist on board the ship Oliver Cromwell ; and others enlisted in their 
room in said regiment. 

The great cry and want of the necessary article of salt, threatened 
to disturb the public peace and safety of the State, rendered it neces- 
sary to supply the public and private necessities of the people in the 
the most speedy manner, for the Governor and Council to act upon the 
subject. Therefore it was ordered, that a suitable number of vessels 
should be provided, at the public expense, and sent under convoy, to 
procure a quantity of salt ; and Capt. Deshon was appointed to carry 
the same into effect. 

Capt. Deshon's warrant : — " You are hereby authorized and empow- 
ered to take up or impress 500 tons of vessels, from about 60 to about 
100 tons, good for sailing, and well found, and have them appraised 
by suitable persons, under oath, for public service ; for which this 
shall be your warrant." 

Capt. Deshon was instructed to impress said vessels, and cause the 
schooner Hannah and Elizabeth, which had been taken by Capt. 
Niles, of the Spy, of this State, and 500 tons more, as stated in the 
warrant ; and see them all well manned, and supplied with provisions, 
and suitable cargoes to purchase salt ; to sail at his discretion as to 
time and destination ; which vessels were ordered to be protected by 
an armed ship, for which said Deshon was to advise with the Gov- 
ernor and Council for their orders. Said Deshon was directed to do 
the whole with th^ greatest secrecy and despatch. 

The Governor was desired to appoint such persons as he should 
think proper, to be master of the ship Oliver Cromwell, and any other 
officer M'anted on board ; also to give orders for medicine on board 
said ship as should be needed. 

Dr. Samuel Lee, of Windham, was appointed surgeon and physician 
on board the Oliver Cromwell. 

Dr. Benjamin Dyer was paid £57 : 11 : 10, for drugs for the use of 
the State. 

£171 : 6 : lOi was allowed Jabez Huntington. 

£300 was paid Dr. J. Elderkin, to purchase clothing. 

£300 was paid Andrew Huntington, to purchase clothing. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 391 

Prosper Wetmore, sheriff, was allowed £8 : 17, for transporting 
Bazel Boudenot from Norwich to Worcester, in Massachusetts. 

In Session, October II. 
A consultation was had as to an expedition of Col's. Richmond and 
Livingston to Long Island. The Governor gave the necessary orders, 
with all possible secrecy, and Mr. Shaw was sent home with orders to 
forward said expedition as fast as possible. 

In Skssion, October 21. 
£400 was drawn to enable Col. Porter to carry on the cannon 
foundry. And he was requested to borrow on the credit of the State 
40 bushels of salt, for the use of said foundry. 

In Session, October 22. 

Adam Babcock & Co. were permitted to export to Rhode Island 
60 barrels of salt beef for their privateer. 

Voted to sell Adam Babcock & Co., two of the cannon and carriages, 
taken on board the ship Guineaman, and brought in by Capt. Harding, 
to New London. 

Mr. Hosmer was desired to give orders to Mr. Buel, for 40 fire 
arms, to be delivered to Capt. William Coit, for the ship Oliver 
Cromwell. 

It was voted to appoint an ensign, with orders to enlist 20 men, at 
40s. per month, to man the fort at Milford harbor, until farther orders, 
to serve until the 25th day of December (then) next, unless sooner dis- 
charged. Capt. Benjamin Hine was appointed ensign, (with the pay 
of an ensign.) 

In Session, October 24. 

£400 was paid James Tilley for cordage. 

£200 was paid Capt. Hayden, towards building the Oliver Crom- 
well. 

£75 was paid B. Williams for iron work on the ship Oliver Crom- 
well. 

Levi Young was appointed master of said ship. 

Capt. Harding was ordered to sail on a cruise, with the brig 
Defence, for two months, against the British. 

Capt. William Coit, with the ship OHver Cromwell, was ordered to 
sail on a cruise, for two months. 

Nathaniel Shaw, Jr., was ordered to supply the ship Oliver Crom- 
well and brig Defence with stores of every kind, for a cruise of two 
months. 



392 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 



^fk Session, October 26. 

Capt. Elizur Goodrich, of Wethersfield, was permitted to export, in 
the sloop Betsey, (himself master,) 80 barrels of beef, 25 barrels of 
flour, 15 barrels of pork, 6 oxen, and 60 doz. of poultry, and make his 
returns in salt. 

Capt. Joseph Thompson drew £300 to pay the wages, &c., of his 
company. 

Col. J. Fitch Mas directed for the future, to supply the troops under 
Capt. Thompson, in New Haven, with provisions. 

£33 : 12 was allowed William Greenough for services. 

• 

In Session, October 30. 

Jonathan Curtiss was accepted as a captain ; Timothy Pond, lieu- 
tenant ; and Samuel Scovil, ensign of a company in Northbury, in 
Waterbury, embodied under a late resolve of the General Assembly. 

Accepted and established Caleb Jewett, captain ; Robert Stedman, 
lieutenant ; and Joseph Lord, ensign of a company in Sharon, embodied 
under said rosolve of the General Assembly. 

Capt. John McCleave, and his crew of the galley Whiting, were 
dismissed as of Saturday preceding. 

Approved an order of £500, given Samuel Squire ; also an order for 
John Cotton, at the fort at Saybrook, for £50 was approved. 

In Session, November 4. 

Andrew Martin was returned as captain ; Enos Hawley, lieutenant ; 
and Nathan Chapman, ensign of a company of householders, ready to 
march and join the regiment in whose limits they dwelt, (in Woodbury.) 

Twenty-five tons of pig iron, (State property) was ordered sold to 
Aaron Elliott, at £7 : 10 per ton, at Salisbury, if it would not interfere 
with the cannon foundry ; said Elliott engaging to manufacture the 
same into steel, and dispose of it at a reasonable price in proportion to 
the cost of the pigs, to the inhabitants of this State, for their own use ; 
and Col. Porter was directed to deliver the same to said Elliott, and 
take the pay therefor. 

Voted to supply Samuel Bird, Arthur Jarvis, John Lathrop, and Pier- 
pont Edwards with ten 4 pounders, and twelve swivels. 

Voted, to supply Stephen Thorp, Abel Gould, and associates, with 
twelve 4 pound cannon, eight small swivels, half a ton of round shot, 
and 100 pounds of grape shot ; and exchange with them 800 pounds 
of powder at Doolittle's mills, at 5s. 4d. per pound, for well refined 
salt petre, at the stated price. 

Twelve cannon were ordered delivered to Isaac Miles &; Co., 
(4 pounders,) and twelve swivels. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 393 

Also, Andrew Rowland and Samuel Broome & Co. eight 3 pounders 
double fortified, eight swivels, 500 pounds of gun powder, at 5s. 4d. 
240 rounds of shot, and 100 pounds of grape shot, of 2 ounces each. 

Also, Jonathan Osborn and Farrington & Putnam with four 9 pound- 
ers, six 6 pounders, six 3 pounders, and two cohorns. 

Also, Luther Stoddard & Co., with four 6 pounders, ten 4 pounders, 
and twelve swivels. 

Also, Messrs. Lyon & Co., with ten swivels, previous to the deliv- 
cry of any of the foregoing guns. 

In Session, November 6. 

Capt. John McCleave was allowed £428 : 9 : 5', for billeting and 
wages of the men on board the galley Whiting. 

Col. William Pitkin was ordered to deliver all the State powder in 
his possession, to John Lawrence, Esq., Treasurer, who was directed 
to store and guard it in some safe place. 

£1,000 was drawn in favor of C. Whittlesey, of Middletown, to 
purchase clothing for this State, for the use of the troops, &;c. 

In Session, November 7. 
Voted, to enter into partnership with the commissary general for 
importing 100,000 bushels of salt ; and ordered the writings prepared 
accordingly. 

In Session, November 14. 
An order in favor of William Wheeler, of £24 : 10 was drawn for 
his services and expense, as commissary at the north end of lake 
George, in 1775, under Col. Benjamin Hinman,* for 5| months, at 
£6, is £34. 



* Col. Benjamin Hinman was born in the town of Woodbury, in this State, in 
the year 1720. His ancestors came from England, in the early settlement of this 
colony. He served against the French in Canada, as early as 1751, under a 
commission as quarter master of the troop of horse in the 13th regiment, in this 
colony, under the hand of Roger Wolcott, then Governor of the colony. On the 
19th day of April, 1755, he was commissioned, by Gov. Fitch, at Norwalk, a 
captain of the 6th company of foot, in Col. Elizur Goodrich's regiment, being a 
part of the forces raised in the colony for the defence and protection of His 
Majesty's territories from any further encroachments by the French, at Crown 
Point, and upon lake Iroquois, (called at that time by the French, lake Cham- 
plain,) to remove encroachments then made there ; of which forces William 
Johnson was commander-in-chief. During the French war in Canada, on the 
1st of October, 1755, Col. Hinman being stationed near a lake, walked out alone 
about three-fourths of a mile from his men, and stopped near the lake in the 



394 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 

Lieut. John Beedle |pp allowed £15: 6 : 5, for his expense of a 
guard under his command, to bring a number of tories from Stamford 
to Lebanon. 

The committee of inspection of the town of Lebanon, were ordered 
to take charge of the prisoners sent from Stamford, being persons dan- 
gerous to the State. 

In Session, November 15. 
An order of £1,000 was given to William Coit, captain of the Oli- 
ver Cromwell, for the use of said ship. 

woods ; he heard a noise behind him, and turned briskly around, with his gun at 
a rest, and found a French soldier within six yards of him ; the soldier was as 
much surprised with his company as was Col. Hinman ; at once the soldier cried 
for quarters, and held out to the colonel the helve of his hatchet, in token of his 
submission, which Col. Hinman took from him, and marched him into camp, as a 
prisoner. 

On the 30th day of May, 1757, he was commissioned major of said 13th regi- 
ment of foot and horse, by John Fitch, Esq., then Governor of the colony. In 
the year 1738, he was commissioned lieutenant colonel of the 3d regiment of 
foot, in the forces raised in the colony for invading Canada, to proceed under the 
supreme command of His Majesty's commander-in-chief in North America; and 
also a captain in the 2d company in said regiment ; which commission was 
signed by Thomas Fitch, Governor of this colony. On the 31st day of October, 
1767, he was commissioned by William Pitkin, Governor of the colony, a lieu- 
tenant colonel of the 13th regiment of horse and foot, under and in the eighth 
year of the reign of Lord George the Third, King of Great Britain, &c. 

On the 1st of November, 1771, he was commissioned colonel of the 13th regi- 
ment of foot and horse, by J. Trumbull, Governor. Early in the war of the 
revolution, viz. : on the 1st day of May, 1775, he was appointed colonel of the 
4th regiment of enlisted and assembled troops for the defence of the colony ; and 
was ordered, by Gov. Trumbull, on the 20th day of May, 1775, forthwith to 
march with five companies, to rendezvous at or near Greenwich, in this State ; 
and to send three companies, to take post at Salisbury, under Maj. Elmore, to be 
in readiness to march with them under such orders as Maj. Elmore should receive 
from the General Assembly, or the Governor. During the same year he was 
ordered to Ticonderoga, where he remained in command of a regiment for some 
time. In the year 1776, he was ordered, with his regiment, to New York ; and 
was at New York at its capture by the British ; after which he was stationed at 
Horse Neck, and other places on the sound, but returned home in ill health, in 
January, 1777, and did not again join the army. He died at Southbury, on the 
22d day of March, 1810, at the ripe old age of 90 years. 

Note. — There were more commissioned officers, during the war, by the name 
of Hinman, in Connecticut, than by any other one name, (being 13 in all) ; of 
whom originated in the town of Woodbury, 1 colonel ; 5 captains ; 4 lieuten- 
ants ; 2 ensigns ; and Elisha Hinman, (of New London,) captain of the Alfred, a 
ship-of-war, and 1 quarter master. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 395 

The committee of inspection for the town of Preston, informed the 
Governor and Council, that the prisoners in said town from the State 
of New York, were destitute of clothing, and other necessaries for 
the cold season. The Governor and Council permitted Alexander 
Campbell, William Pemberton, and Thomas Swords, to return to their 
respective homes, under the care of two of said committee to attend 
them on their journey and back to Preston, at the expense of said pri- 
soners, under their parole faithfully to return with said committee, un- 
less the authority who sent them to Connecticut, should release them ; 
and to do or say nothing against the United States. And the said 
Walter Scott, Samuel S. Gardner, Henry Westenhausen, John Dezen- 
bury, Owen Conner, Benjamin Greenman, and Jacob Timmerman, had 
liberty, at their own expense, to return to their families to get some 
sustenance ; on their parole to wait on the authority who sent them, 
for farther orders, and faithfully to return to Preston within six weeks, 
unless released by said authority ; and to say or do nothing against the 
States during the Avar. 

An order of £1,000 was given to Dr. J. Elderkin, to purchase cloth- 
ing, &c. for the State, and render his account. 

An order was given by the Governor, of £2,000, to Capt. Deshon, 
November 9 ; also one of £2,000, to Nathaniel Shaw, Jr., for pubUc 
use — r(both approved.) 

It was represented to the Governor and Council, that John Rapalji, 
in gaol at Norwich, was destitute of clothing and necessaries of sup- 
port, and desired to return to his family to obtain the same at Long Isl- 
and. Liberty was given him to visit his family on the island for the 
purpose aforesaid ; with liberty to remove such of his family to Nor- 
wich as he pleased, by giving his parole of honor for his return within 
six weeks, and not to do or say any thing against the States, or give 
intelligence or advice concerning the affairs of said States ; and said 
Rapalji was desired to supply Col. Samuel Selden, Capt. Jonathan 
Brewster, Lieut. Nathaniel Gove, Sarg't. Roger Coit, Lieut. Jabez 
Fitch, and such other prisoners of this State as he could, with cash, 
upon their giving him security for the same. He also had liberty to 
procure and bring to Judge Jones' with him, others, to Norwich, such 
supplies of clothing and sustenance as they might want. 

Two prisoners who resided at Capt. Elijah Backus', in Norwich, 
were permitted to return home, at their own expense, to the State of 
New York, after supplies for the winter, on the terms stated in the 
other cases ; to return within six weeks, unless suffered to remain at 
home by the authority who first sent them to Connecticut. 

Col. Elderkin and Nathaniel Wales, Jr., Esq., were directed to 



396 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 

go to New London, ^^ do all in their power to send out the ship 
Oliver Cromwell on a cruise. 

The Governor and Council appointed Jedediah Elderkin and N. 
Wales, Jr., Esq'rs., to examine into the truth of a report, that Capt. 
Kennedy, of a ship loaded out from New York, with wheat, bound to 
France, was manned with captives and prisoners, taken by privateers ; 
and that said Kennedy was of a suspected character, and it was sup. 
posed the ship and cargo would, in all probability, fall into the hands 
of the British. Said committee were to take such depositions, and 
such other evidence, as they might think material, ^nd report to the 
Governor and Council. 

Mr. Brown, of Providence, was directed to deliver Elderkin & Wales 
what sulphur they might want, in his care, owned by the country. 

Orders were given for a quantity of engrossed cheese, in the hands 
of Nathan Stedman, contrary to the law against engrossing. 

Dr. Samuel Lee was appointed surgeon of the ship Oliver Crom. 
well ; and his two students appointed 2d and 3d mates under him, at 
£3 per month each. 

Officers were appointed to supply the places of those who refused to 
serve in the eight battalions, then raising for the continental line. 

In Session, November 22. 
The general officers from this State, with the colonels of the conti- 
nental regiments for continental service, were desired to arrange the 
captains, &c., in due order, and report to the Governor. 

In Session, November 26. 
William Cone was appointed captain ; Nathaniel Sparrow, lieuten- 
ant ; and Gideon Ackley, ensign of a company of householders, not in 
the militia roll, in the town of East Haddam. 

In Session, November 28. 

Mr. Erwin, a prisoner taken by Commodore Hopkins, was permitted 
by the Governor and Council to go to Congress, on his parole for his 
exchange, or to return, as Congress should direct. 

Justus Miles, a reputed tory, was assigned to the care of Mr. Chap, 
man Grant, of East Windsor, who was authorized to keep and govern 
him in such manner as he should think prudent. 

The names of the officers appointed to fill the vacancies of field 
officers, captains, dsc, occasioned by refusals of like officers, in the 
eight battalions, should be made out in a list, and transmitted to Maj. 
Gen. Spencer ; that the generals from this State in the service, should 
be desired, with the colonels, to arrange said officers into regiments, dtc. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 397 

In Session, November 29. 
, The Governor desired the commissaries that hud purcliased clothing 
for the soldiers of this ^tate, in the continental army, to forward sucli 
clothing to the army, and deliver it to the quarter master general, or 
some other proper person appointed by the general officers. And the 
Governor was required to order the rum, and other refreshments pro- 
vided for the soldiers of this State in the army, forwarded to the west 
part of Connecticut. Also to write to Gen. Washington, to advise with 
such general officers from this State, as should be near him, and point 
out a plan by which the resolve for supplying the soldiers from this 
State with refreshments and clothing, at prime cost, could be carried 
into execution. 

In Session, December 6. 

At this time there was a large fleet of men of war and transports at 
anchor, a trifle westward of New London harbor, and the design un- 
known ; the Governor and Council considered it prudent to remove 
the continental and colonial property, at New London, to Norwich, 
and to take a quantity of wheat on board a ship in New London, com- 
manded by Capt. Kennedy, for public use ; and Capt. Ephraim Bill, 
Jabez Perkins, and David Mumford, of Norwich, were appointed to 
assist Mr. Shaw in removing the wheat to the mills to be floured, and 
the continental and colonial ships, stores, &;c., to the places of the 
greatest safety up the Norwich river, (Thames) and secure the same. 

Orders were given to several regiments of militia, to march to New 
London, in defence of this country, against the invasion of the enemy. 
Also, letters were sent to Gen. Washington and others, for the needful 
assistance, and steps to be taken in that alarming time of danger. 

Elijah Sharp was appointed captain of a company in Col. Ely's 
regiment, instead of Ebenezer Holbrook. 

Capt. John Deshon was appointed a commissary of the militia, 
(then) marching to the defence of New London, with orders by all 
means to furnish supplies of continental or colonial stores, as might be 
obtained. 

In Session, December 7. 
Intelligence arrived that the British fleet had sailed from New Lon- 
don harbor ; and orders were given to stop the march of the regiments 
ordered for the defence of New London, and to hold themselves in 
readiness to march to any place that should be attacked. 

The prisoners sent from Gen. Washington, when at New York, 
under a guard commanded by Capt. Eells, were permitted to return to 
51 



598 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177(5. 

Long Island, on theii|^k'ole, to give no intelligence to the enemy, nor 
talve up arms, &c., and return back to this State vhen demanded. 

The gentlemen sent by Gen. Washington from Long Island to Nor- 
wich, had liberty given to return home, for the time being, by giving 
their parole of honor in the usual form, and return when required. 

Capt. Bill was required to cause two-thirds of the rum of the cargo 
taken on board the schooner Haimah and Elizabeth, guaged and stored 
for public use ; and Capt. Bruce's adventure to be presented to him, as 
far as the State was concerned ; and the schooner and remainder of 
the cargo to be sold at public vendue. Also, in the sale of the ship 
Sally, if there should be any duch or spare rigging, cordage, or sails, 
which belonged to said ships or cargo, that Mr. Shaw should bid off 
the same for this State, if to be had at a rate considered reasonable. 

In Session, December 9. 

Intelligence Avas received, that a large fleet of the British, with 
many transports, ivere pushing up Narragansett Bay, towards Newport, 
and Providence ; therefore orders were given to the eastern regiments 
to make ready and march to Rhode Island, to guard against any depre- 
dations of said fleet. 

Col. Champion was sent for, and ordered to make provision for the 
troops ordered to Rhode Island. 

Col. Elderkin and Lieut. Col. Storrs not being in a situation to march 
with the 5th regiment, the command of said regiment was given to 
Maj. Brown. 

In Session, December 10. 

An order of £1,400 was given Capt. Harding, for the use of the 
brig Defence. 

Orders were given to P. Wetmore, sheriff, on Capt. Harding's pro- 
ducing to him his power of attorney from the officers and men of the 
brig Defence, in the capture of the prize ship John, taken by and 
brought into New London, by said Defence, and condemned ; first to 
deduct charges of condemnation, and all other expenses, one-twentieth 
part of the nett proceeds of the avails of said ship and cargo being the 
admiral's part, as settled by Congress, and one-third of the remainder 
to be paid Capt. Harding for himself and crew, being their share. 

Capt. J. Huntington, of Windham, was ordered to deliver to the 
selectmen of Coventry, 25 pounds of powder, for the use of the militia, 
then marching towards Providence. 

In Session, December 11. 
An order of £674 : 2 : 3 was given Capt. Stanton, it being the full 
balance due of the account of the galley Shark. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 399 

Ralph Isaacs, Esq., who had been committed to the charge of the 
selectmen of Eastbury, in Glastenbury, by his ill health, &c., was per- 
mitted to be removed to Durham, under the restrictions of the authority 
and selectmen of said Durham. 

In Session, December 12. 
William Howard was appointed lieutenant and commander of a 
company of militia in the second society in Windham, to march to 
Rhode Island, and be under the commander-in-chief there. 

In Session, December 13. 

A letter of credit for £500, Avas ordered to be drawn by Messrs. 
John Rassalji and Miles Sherbrook, of the State of New York, in favor 
of Maj. Levi Wells, for the use of the continental troops in captivity 
(then) in New York. 

The liquidation of the accounts of Capt. Jehiel Tinker, of the galley 
Crane ; of James Rice, for the galley Whiting ; the cost of the gaol 
yard at Hartford ; and Lynd Lord's account for mustering soldiers, to 
the committee of pay table, were before the Governor and Council. 

The six field pieces left at New Haven, by the Minerva, were 
ordered to be fitted with carriages, the cost not exceeding £10 for 
each. 

Col. Thompson was directed to take effectual care that the militia 
of New Haven should be every way equipped, and in constant rcadi- 
ness, as directed by an act of the Assembly. 

Nathaniel Shaw, Jr., Esq., was instructed to negotiate an exchange 
of the following prisoners, taken on board the ship John, the ship Clar- 
endon, and the ship Sally, for prisoners of equal rank as near as might 
be, viz. : Capt. Dunbar, of the John ; James Watta, passenger on 
board. Capt. Jackson, of the Sally ; John Wright, surgeon. Capt. 
John Deniston, of the Clarendon ; Peter Hunter, passenger. Also, 
Daniel Crawford, mate ; Thomas Moor, boatswain ; James Deniston, 
a boy ; Murdock McCloud, a sailor ; and divers others, names un- 
known, and take their parole to give no intelligence, or do any thing 
against the States ; and if such exchange should not be effected, that 
they return immediately to this State. 

In Session, December 14. 

Nathaniel Miner was paid £100, for the troops at Stonington. 

The pay table were directed to adjust the account of Matthew Cur- 
tiss, Jr., of Newtown, for taking John Shepard to Windham gaol ; also 
the expense of an escort who conducted 17 prisoners, under the com- 



400 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 

mand of Capt. Ezra St^f to prison ; and to draw for such sum as 
should be found justly due. 

Nathaniel Shaw, Jr., was authorized to draw letters of credit in 
favor of the captain of the ship Oliver Cromwell, to make repairs or 
for supplies for said ship in any foreign port, and be indemnified by 
this State. 

The commissaries were permitted to transport pork and flour to 
Rhode Island, and deliver it to Col. Champion, Capt. Jared Tracy, or 
Asa Waterman, .Jr., for our troops in the service of Rhode Island. 

Col. E. Wolcott, (then) at New London, was directed to employ all 
his men, that he could spare, in cutting and making fashineS as fast 
as possible, and to employ others in New London, &c., for said pur. 
pose, to have them prepared and brought to fort Trumbull as soon as 
might be, and place them on said fort, so that on any sudden occasion 
the back of said fort should be filled up with fades or fashines, so as 
to secure the men who should be in said fort, on any si^dden attack. 

Dr. A. Waldo was appointed chief surgeon of the ship Oliver 
Cromwell. 

An order of £10 was given to Gamaliel Babcock, (to go as an ex. 
press to Ticonderoga,) for his expenses. 

Col. Phillips, Mr. Jauney and his sons William and James, Mr. 
Miller, Mr. Walton, Hugh Wallace, in Middletown, and Reed and 
Palmer, in Windham, all from the State of New York, were permitted 
to return home upon the usual parole, and to return to this State if 
requested, &c. 

Also, Mr. Munro, sent by the Albany committee, was permitted to 
return to his family, on the usual parole, but to return to this State by 
the 1st day of March, 1777. 

In Sessiox, December 25. 

Bunting Waddle, Corsey Whitehead, and Betts, were permitted to 
return to the State of New York, on the usual parole given by tories, 
but to return on request. 

Terrance McDermott, a prisoner of war, was permitted to go to 
New York, on his parole, for 31 days, and then to return, unless he 
should be exchanged for some one of equal rank. 

In Session, December 26. 
Sundry officers were appointed in the continental service, to fill the 
vacancies of such as had refused or declined offices. 

In Session, December 30. 
Capt. Deshon had an order of £3,500, (order delivered to Peter 
Christophers.) 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 401 

In Session, December 31. 
An order was given for 20 pounds of powder to prove muskets. 

In Session, January 1, 1777. 

On a memorial of the civil authority, selectmen, &;c., of New Lon- 
don, to purchase some part of a cargo of wheat, which arrived in the 
continental ship at New London, for their families' use, on account of 
the scarcity of grain ; Maj. Hillhouse was desired to take measures to 
supply the poor, from said cargo. 

Henry Vanschaick, Esq., was permitted to return to Kinderhook, 
and there to remain within that district until the 1st day of March, 1777, 
upon his parole not to act, do or say any thing to obstruct or contra- 
vene the measures adopted by the American States to preserve freedom. 

In Session, January 2. 
The Governor and Council consulted on sundry matters with regard 
to Gov. Franklin's memorial ; and filled up the vacancies of officers. 

In Session, January 6. 
A letter was received and read, from Gov. Franklin to Gov. Trum- 
bull, on the subject of his being returned to his family in New Jersey, 
which he stated had been allowed to other gentlemen who had been 
sent to Connecticut as tories ; and remonstrated in terms more sharp 
than decent, against Gov. Trumbull's neglecting to answer a former 
letter he wrote him. The Council advised the Governor not to grant 
Gov. Franklin's request at that time of distress in New Jersey. And 
a letter was written by Col. Williams, &;c., in answer to Gov. Frank- 
lin's letter, and informed him of the result by the Governor and Council. 

In Session, January 8. 

Capt. Deshon was directed to examine a ship owned by Brown, 
Denison &. Stewart, in Stonington, and if he should find her a suitable 
vessel for the importation of salt, to charter one-half of her for a voy- 
age, under Geo. Coffin, to the Bahama Islands, &c., with such a cargo 
as would best suit the purpose ; and to make use of all means in his 
power to import all the lead, sulphur, and flints he could obtain, &c. 

An order was given on the overseers of the furnace, in favor of the 
ship Oliver Cromwell, for 200 hand grenadoes, and 1 ton of swivel 
shot, one-fourth less than those before sent from the furnace to that 
ship. 

An order was given on the overseers of the Salisbury furnace, to 
the selectmen of Norwalk, for two 4 pounders, and four 3 pounders, to 
defend Norwalk. 



402 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

Justus Miles was^prmitted to return to his family for two weeks, 
(in New Milford,) on his parole. 

The State purchased of Capt. James Rice, two cannon, at New 
London, at £100 New York currency. 

The sloop Catherine, (burden 100 tons,) navigated with eight men, 
was permitted to sail for Bourdeaux, with 300 casks of flax seed. 

Also, the sloop William, of 95 tons, Peter Bontacue, master, with 
eight men, to sail for Bourdeaux, with 270 casks of flax seed. Also, 
brig Sally, of 120 tons, Christopher Hughs, master, to sail for France, 
with flax seed, and 5,000 staves. Also, the sloop Farmer, 70 tons, 
John Miller, master, to sail with 12,000 staves, to the West Indies. 

In Session, January 10. 

Lieut. Samuel Bartram, of the brig Defence, was dismissed from 
service, for ill health. 

Samuel Smedley was appointed 1st lieutenant of the brig Defence, 
instead of S. Bartram, dismissed. Henry Billings was appointed 2d 
lieutenant of said brig, instead of S. Smedley, promoted. Bebee was 
appointed master of said brig, instead of Josiah Burnham, resigned. 

The brig Defence was ordered to sail on a cruise for three months, 
(and if Capt. Harding was unable to sail,) the command was given to 
the 1st lieutenant. 

Orders of distribution of the last prize, taken by the brig Defence, 
were given. 

Discretionary orders were given to the commander of the Defence, 
to join with other privateers, if he should think best, in an expedition 
against the vessels and wood cutters at Shelter Island. 

The Governor was authorized to draw on a person in Bedford, who 
had sulphur, for one ton, in favor of William Pitkin and Mr. Doolittle, 
to be divided equally between them, and replaced by them. 

Abraham Hand, Jeremiah Miller, and a negro named Jack, (owned 
by Col. Mulford,) in the care of Capt. Cockran, were permitted to 
return to Long Island. 

In Session, January 16. 

Col. Ledyard received an order for £1,000, as commissary at Gro- 
ton, for the support of the troops there. 

A vote was passed to purchase all the blankets, and the suitable 
white linens, imported in the Dutch vessel at New London ; also 15 
pipes of wine, if to be purchased at a reasonable price ; also shirts and 
stockings, and medicines chosen by the doctors, and such other as was 
necessary for the army, with arms, ammunition, &c., excepting gun- 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 403 

powder. And Messrs. Nathaniel Shaw, Jr. and A. Huntington were 
appointed to make such purchases for the pubhc, as reasonable as they 
could. 

In Sessiojv, January 17. 

Nathaniel Shaw, Jr. was instructed to negotiate an exchange of the 
following prisoners, viz. : Robert Hunter, captain of the Gaspee sloop, 
Michael Stanhope, midshipman of said sloop, John Kent, clerk. Will, 
iam Kent, William Allen, John Shaw, John Birkley, James Cox, Dun- 
can McFarthing, James Lilley, Charles Patterson, John Barber, Fred- 
erick Roberson, and Peter Oring ; in case an exchange could not be 
effected, to take their parole, to return again to this State immediately, 
in the same vessel, without going on shore. 

Barzillai Hudson was appointed ensign, and commandant of the 
guards about the gaol in Hartford. 

The selectmen of Middletown were directed to deliver to Capt. 
Blackman 20 blankets, by them collected (on the list) for his company. 

Hezekiah Fitch was appointed one of the committee to carry on the 
furnace, at Salisbury, with B. Henshaw and W. Whiting. Col. Por- 
ter was directed to deliver the possession of the furnace, at Salisbury, 
with all the utensils, &;c., for cannon foundry, &c., with all the ware 
and stock owned by the State, into the hands of the aforesaid com- 
mittee. 

Joseph Osborn was permitted to return to Long Island, with his 
family. 

In Session, (at Lebanon,) January 21. 

Duncan Stewart, Esq. was permitted to return to New York, on his 
parole, to return in three months. 

Ebenezer Hall, of Fairfield, was brought before the Governor and 
Council, being inimical to the States ; and after an explanation from the 
Governor, declared his belief in the justice of the American csiuse. 
The Governor and Council resolved. Hall should be permitted to return 
to his family, in Fairfield, and remain in his own business ; but to give 
a bond of £1,000 to return to said Fairfield, and there dwell, and not 
depart out of the limits, (i. e.) of Fairfield and Stratford, and say noth- 
ing against the interest or rights of any of the States, or hold any cor- 
respondence, or give any intelligence to the enemies of the States, and 
to repair to any other place directed by the Governor and Council. 

Isaac Tomlinson, of Woodbury, was permitted to return to his family 
on the same conditions as was provided in the case of Ebenezer Hall 
aforesaid. 



404 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

^^Session, January 23. 

Letters were sent to Gen. Washington and others. 

Eight 18 pound cannon, four 9 pounders, ten 6 pounders, seven 4 
pounders, ten 3 pounders, were directed to be delivered, at the furnace, 
and shot in proportion, for Gen, Schuyler ; and a letter wrote to the 
overseers of the furnace for that purpose. 

A letter was received by the Governor and Council from General 
Washington, informing of his (then) late success in New Jersey ; and 
directing the quota of forces filled in Connecticut, that they might be 
placed eastward of New York, to divert the force of the enemy appa- 
rently aiming at Philadelphia. 

A letter was also received from President Hancock, urging the ut- 
most despatch in filling our quota of the continental army. 

A letter was sent to the Committee of Safety in the State of New 
York, concerning the embargo ; and license given John Canfield, Esq. 
to permit West India goods, &c., to pass out of this State into New 
York, for the inhabitants or army. 

A letter was sent to Gen. Washington, by Maj. Wyllys, concerning 
an exchange of prisoners, or a return of prisoners sent from Connec- 
ticut to Newport, for exchange. 

In Session, January 24. 

William McDermot, a lieutenant in the 16th regiment in King 
George's army, a prisoner in Connecticut, was permitted to return to 
New York, on his parole, and to return here in fourteen days, unless he 
should procure the exchange of Lieut. Elisha Hopkins, of Hartford, 
to be made for himself ; said Hopkins being a prisoner to the British in 
New York, and out on his parole. 

Mr. Ralph Isaacs, of Durham, supposed to be inimical to the State, 
and it being considered dangerous to the American cause to suffer him 
to be at large in said Durham, and retail rum, &c. ; the committee of 
inspection for said town, prayed that he might be confined within 
certain limits, in Durham. James Wadsworth, Jr., Israel Camj), 
James Arnold, Elnathan Camp, Phineas Spelman, Daniel Hall, and 
Stephen Norton, the committee of inspection for said Durham, were 
appointed to have the oversight of said Isaacs, and to limit the bounds 
within which said Isaacs should be circumscribed and kept, and report 
the same to the Governor and Council ; and notify said Isaacs of said 
limits, to which he was strictly enjoined to conform, and carefully 
abide within the same, and to have no intercourse with the inhabitants 
of said town, except so far as should be necessary for his and his 
family's support. And said committee were authorized to seize any 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 405 

quantity of rum said Isaacs might have in possession, or property in, 
that might be brought into said Durham for sale, and the same examine 
and safely keep and dispose of for the use of the State, dec. 

Capt. Asa Kiune, Capt. Ebenezer Mosely, and Capt. Benajah 
Leffingwell, were appointed captains of companies to serve in the 
State of Rhode Island until the 1st day of April, 1777, according to 
the agreement of the convention of committees from the New England 
States, held at Providence. 

Much time was spent in consulting how to supply the country with 
war stores, applied for by Col. Stewart, and provide for the batteries 
at New London ; and the raising of troops to serve in Rhode Island. 

Ralph Watson, a tory from the north, vsho was kept at Preston, was 
permitted to return home to Allenton or Arlington, on his parole, to 
return to Connecticut, if the committee of his town should so direct him. 

In Session, January 25. 

Held a consultation on the tory convicts, <k;c. 

Gave a letter of credit to Col. Stewart for ordinance, stores, &c., for 
Massachusetts. 

The captains to serve in Rhode Island were sent for to take their 
orders. 

John Betts, Nathaniel Fitch, Stephen Keeler, John Husted, Jacob 
Sevill, Josiah Seely, Isaac Hubbard, James Smith, and Benjamin 
James, convict tories confined in Lebanon and Coventry, were permit, 
ted to return home, on the usual parole. 

The sheriff of New London county was ordered, with the assistance 
of Ephraim Bill, to collect the expenses of condemnation, storage, and 
sales on the prize ship Sally, and schooner Hannah and Elizabeth, and 
their cargoes, and adjust and pay them ; to deduct one-twentieth part 
of the net proceeds of each prize, and to pay one-third of the remain- 
der of each, to the agents of the creM's of the captors. The crew of 
the brig Defence and Spy to receive the same. 

In Session, (at Lebanon) January 27. 

Isaac Burr was appointed a lieutenant in the place of George Burr, 
declined. 

Lieut. Burr represented to the Governor and Council that 20 men 
at Fairfield, was an insufficient number to manage their double fortified 
12 pounders, and that he expected a visit from the enemy, &c. The 
Governor and Council allowed an addition of 5 men to be stationed 
at the battery for one year, in said Fairfield. 

Ebenezer Holly, Elliott Green, J. Husted, J. Seely, B. James, J. 
Hubbard, J. Scofield, Nathaniel Fitch, J. Smith, G. Hait, S. Keeler, 
52 



406 REVOLUTIOiNARY WAR, 1777. 

and J. Betts, convict toJ^i^ were permitted to return home upon their 
bond of £1,000 each, to the Treasurer of the State for their good 
behavior, &c. 

Dr. Benjamin ElHs was appointed surgeon of the brig Defence. 

The Governor issued his proclamation to Capt. Ebenezer Mosely, 
to raise (under the resolve of the Assembly, held at Middletown,) 1,092 
men in this State, to join the army at Providence, under Gen. Spencer, 
as the quota of this State. The Governor and Council resolved, to 
raise three companies of militia, to serve until the 1st day of April 
1777, by enlistment. Said Mosely was appointed one of the captains 
of said companies ; and was commanded to enlist a company of able 
bodied men for said service of 76 privates ; with orders given to the 
other captains to proceed with their enlistments, &;c. Joseph Burgess 
was appointed 1st lieutenant, under Capt. E. Mosely, to serve in Rhode 
Island. Joseph CareAV was appointed 1st lieutenant, under Capt. 
Benajah Leffingwell, to serve iu Rhode Island. 

In Sessiois', January 28. 

Lazarus Beach, Andrew Fairchild, N. Lee, E. Lee, A. Burr, of 
Redding, and Thomas Allen, of Newtown, tory convicts, confined in 
Mansfield, to prevent their mischievous practices, made their escape, 
and were retaken and brought before the Governor and Council, to be 
dealt with. The Governor and Council ordered, that they should be 
confined in gaol at Windham, and there safely kept until released by 
due order of law ; and pay the cost of arrest and remanding, '&;c., 
being £25 : 14. 

John Sanford, a prisoner at Mansfield, was allowed to give his bond 
of £1,000, conditioned that he should truly return to Redding, and 
abide within said town, not to speak against the interest of any of the 
States, hold no correspondence with, or give any intelligence to the 
enemy, &c., and to repair to any place assigned by the Governor. 

Robert Lewis was appointed captain ; David Welles, lieutenant ; 
and Phineas Sherman, ensign of a company of volunteers raised in 
Stratford, to join the continental army. 

James Beard was appointed captain; Daniel Chatfield, lieutenant ; 
and John Humphrey, ensign of a company raised in Derby, for the 
same pui-pose. 

Orders were given Capt. Coit, of the ship Oliver Cromwell, to order 
all his officers and men on board his ship to their duty ; and fit the 
same to sail with all possible despatch ; to land 4 of the guns on board 
said ship, in the care of Nathaniel Shaw, Jr. ; and make return, as 
soon as the crew should be collected, for further directions to proceed 
to sea. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 407 

£25 : 14 was allowed John Slater, of Waterbury, for his expense 
of guarding and transporting six run away tories, taken up at Water- 
bury, and returned. 

jS150 was allowed to Capt. Coit, to proceed on his cruise. 

A reverend clergyman, of Fairfield, was sent to the Governor and 
Council as being dangerous to this and the United States ; who was 
ordered to the parish of New Britain, in Farmington, under the care 
of Col. Lee, and not to depart out of the limits of the society. 

In Session, January 31. 

Letters were read from the chairman of the Council of War, in 
Providence ; from Gen. Green ; Gen. O. Wolcott, and others. 

An order was drawn on Prosper Wetmore, for £483, in favor of 
Capt. Niles, of the Spy, for the accounts of the schooner Spy. 

The spreading of the small pox, and how to prevent it, was before 
the Governor and Council. The Governor was advised to issue his 
proclamation, and state the dangers of its spreading against the law, 
and particularly at that season of the year, &c. ; to encourage iuocu- 
lation in pest houses, under good regulations, &c. &c. 

In Session, February 1 . 

John Mix, of Farmington, Avas appointed ensign, under Capt. 
William Judd, in Col. Wyllys' regiment. 

A letter from Gen. Washington was read, pressing the necessity of 
speedily filling our quota of troops, 6ic. 

Daniel Allen was appointed captain of a company in Col. Durkee's 
regiment, in the place of Oliver Babcock. 

Return J. Meigs was appointed major of Col. Wyllys' regiment, in 
the continental service. 

In Session, February 3. 

An advertisement was ordered to be published in the New London 
paper, to notify those who wished to purchase flax at the west, for their 
own use, to apply speedily, lest the surplus of the article in the State, 
might be disposed of to others. 

Charles Barrett, of New Ipswich, was permitted to purchase 1,800 
pounds of flax in Fairfield county, and transport it out of the State. 

Oliver Blood, of Ashley, in Massachusetts, was permitted to pur- 
chase 800 pounds of flax in Fairfield county, to transport out of this 
State, to said Ashley. 

In Session, February 4. 
Ralph Isaacs, by his counsel, Chauncey and IngersoU, applied to 
have his limits of confinement in Durham, enlarged ; he complained 



408 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

that the house was batfmid shattered, and his limits unreasonably 
small, &c. The Governor and Council ordered him removed to Wal- 
lingford, to be under the civil authority and selectmen, and kept in one 
of the societies in said town, under the same regulations as at Eastbury. 

In Session, February 6. 

A letter was read from Gen. Schuyler, expressing his great and 
almost certain expectation of an attack upon Ticonderoga soon, and 
pressing the Governor and Council for men, &c. 

A letter from Deputy Quarter Master General Lovat, of Providence, 
was read, applying for 1,000 bushels of oats, to supply the army there ; 
hberty to take 400 bushels was granted. 

Thomas Grosvenor was appointed major of Col. Wyllys' regiment, 
in place of Maj. Bigelow, resigned. 

Timothy Cleveland was appointed 2d lieutenant in Capt. Webb's 
company, in place of Abraham Wright. 

Examined and allowed an account of Judah Alden, for going express 
to Gen. Washington, with letters concerning the exchange of prisoners, 
in November or December, 1776. 

The Governor and Council were notified that several persons who 
had been detached in the Sd, 8th, 12th, 20th and 25th regiments, by a 
resolve of the Assembly, to be marched to an4 about New London, 
had refused to join their corps, or march to New London ; and that 
Col. Throop, commander of said detachment, had sent a file of men, 
and by force taken and carried them to New London, which caused 
much dispute as to the legality of the procedure of Col. Throop. The 
Governor and Council decided that under all the circumstances of the 
case, the commanding officer was warranted in enforcing the order of 
the Assembly. 

Ichabod Hinkley was established captain in the place of Capt. Per- 
ritt, (then in captivity) in Col. Webb's regiment. 

In Session, February 7. 

David Trumbull was appointed to provide axes, augurs, &c., re- 
quested by Col. Stewart, by an order of Congress. 

Lieut. Thomas Abbe, (of Swift's regiment,) was appointed captain, 
instead of Grosvenor, promoted ; and Sylvanus Perry, 2d lieutenant in 
Chandler's regiment, was appointed 1st lieutenant, instead of Abbe, in 
Wyllys' regiment; Charles Mills, 1st lieutenant, instead of Lieut. 
Abbe, promoted in Swift's regiment ; in Elderkin's company, Phineas 
Grover, ensign of said company, was appoined 2d lieutenant therein, 
and Richard Abbe, ensign of the same. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 409 

Josiah Child to be captain in Bradley's regiment, in the place of 
Capt. Benjamin Cutler, resigned ; and Edmund Palmer, ensign of the 
same. 

Lieut. Samuel Smedley was appointed captain of the brig Defence, 
for the cruise, instead of Capt. Harding, (who was in ill health.) 
James Angel was appointed 3d lieutenant of the brig Defence. 

On motion of Lieut. Gov. Griswold, voted, that the guard of 15 
men, near the mouth of Connecticut river, in Lyme, under Ensign John 
Griswold, be removed to attend duty at Black Point, in Lyme ; unless 
the selectmen and authority in Lyme should judge best for a part of 
them to be stationed between Black Point and the mouth of Con- 
necticut river ; the men to be careful to prevent all communication 
between Long Island and the main ; to seize and hold in custody 
all the boats and other water craft use'd for that purpose, (without a 
legal permit,) and arrest all persons in whose possession such water 
craft should be found, &c. 

In Session, February 8. 

A permit was granted to Daniel Payne for 6 oxen, at Rehoboth ; 
Nathaniel Child, 6 oxen, at Roxbury ; a permit for 100 bushels of rye ; 
Preserved Abel, a permit for 100 barrels of pork for Rehoboth, &c. 

Letters were despatched to Congress, to Gen. Washington, Gen. 
Heath, Gen. Green, &c., by a Congress post. 

Brown, the post, returned from Congress with letters, &;c. ; left Bal- 
timore last Thursday week, with answers to letters sent from Hartford 
three wrecks since. 

Capt. Keene applied for arms for Providence. The selectmen of 
the towns where Capt. Keene's company was raised, were directed to 
provide arms and blankets for said company, where said soldiers 
belonged. 

Lieut. Billings, of the brig Defence, resigned his office, and Nathan- 
iel Shaw, Esq. was ordered to appoint a proper person to be 2d lieu- 
tenant in his room. 

Gave an order to Sheriff Wetmore, to pay out of the money in his 
hands, (owned by the State,) as marshal of the admiralty court — Capt. 
Asa Keene, £80 towards paying his company. 

Col. Wyllys moved the Governor and Council for arms and clothing 
for his battalion, &c. Chauncey Whittlesey, as commissary, Avas di- 
rected to deliver to Col. Wyllys, clothes made, or such quantity of 
cloth, &c., in his hands, for soldiers' clothing, as Col. Wyllys should 
need for the soldiers in his regiment. Mr. Whittlesey was also order- 
ed to make soldiers' coats and trim the same in uniform, as Col. Wyl- 



410 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

lys should direct, and^nd to this Board an account of all articles 
provided. 

Fire arms were greatly needed for the continental regiments, (then 
raising in Connecticut ;) therefore it was ordered, that Col. S. Wyllys 
should take tor the use of his battalion, all such fire arms as were in 
the hands of the State, which belonged cither to the State or United 
States, not exceeding a sufficient number for said regiment, exclusive 
of the arms which belonged to the Governor's guard. 

Ralph Pomeroy Avas appointed pay master of Col. Wyllys' regi- 
ment. 

Samuel Grav, Esq. was directed to hold in his hands all the conti. 
nental cloth or clothing in his custody, until iurther orders ; and to 
transmit to said Board an exact account of all articles lodged with 
him. 

James Underwood, of Litchfield, in New Hampshire, was permitted 
to purchase in Fairfield county, 2,234 pounds of flax ; and Capt. Wil- 
liam AUd, of Merrimack to purchase in said county, 2,000 pounds of 
flax. 

Ij« Session, February 10. 
Phineas Gleason, of Westborough, in Massachusetts, was permitted 
to pui-chase in Milford, 600 pounds of flax, or in Fairfield county, the 
embargo notwithstanding. 

In Session, February 11. 

A letter to Woodbury was written in answer to theirs, ahout the 
spreading of the small pox. 

Letters were read from Danbury, in answer to letters from the Gov- 
ernor and Council, about sundry valuable oflicers, prisoners with Gen. 
Howe, &c., that all possible care and pains had been talcen to obtain 
them, &c. 

Selah Benton, of Milford, was appointed 1st lieutenant, in the room 
of Mr. West ; Daniel Eldridge, 2d lieutenant, in the place of Bos. 
worth ; Asa Brownson, in Capt. Shumway's company. 

A. Fairchild, A. Burr, L. Beach, N. Lee, E. Lee, and T. Allen, 
were adjudged tories, and committed to Windham gaol, were ordered 
released from said prison, by their paying the cost taxed by the Gov- 
ernor and Council at £25 : 14, and all costs that had arose after- 
wards, and to return to Mansfield, and there remain under the conunit- 
tee of inspection in said town until duly released. Nathan and Enos 
Lee were permitted to return home, by giving bonds for their future 
good behavior. 



KEVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 411 

Seth Hall and Ebenezer Sturges, two prisoners confined in the town 
of Mansfield, were allowed to return home, under bonds for their good 
behavior. 

John Marsh, 3d., of Litchfield, applied for liberty to take Mark 
Prindlc, of Harwinton, (a tory at Mansfield,) and him have before the 
court at Litchfield, in discharge of his bail bond, given for said Prin- 
dle in another case ; which was granted by the Governor and Council, 
with their order to return said Prindle, after his trial, to Amariah WiU 
Hams, in said Mansfield. 

The overseers of Salisbury furnace were directed to cast for Thomq^ 
Bidwell, (a manufacturer of sulphur,) 20 iron pots, and more if said 
Bid well should wish. 

Col. Hall, of Wallingford, appeared before the Governor and Coun- 
cil for directions concerning the tories in Wallingford. 

As our army at home were in want of clothes, Capt. Squire was 
directed to send no more clothing towards New York ; and to take care 
of a quantity of pork he had purchased, &c. Mr. Burr had the same 
directions as to clothing ; Jonathan Fitch also. 

Mr. Herpin, of Milford, had waited several days to be heard on an 
account for bringing cannon, building the fort at Milford, (k;c.,aud was 
allowed in all, £05 : : 10. 

Capt. Joshua Huntington, of Norwich, was appointed to superin- 
tend the building of a 36 gun frigate for the United States, (ordered 
by Congress.) 

Salisbury furnace was greatly in need of sulphur, and the Governor 
and Council ordered Col. W. Pitkin to supply them with 2,800 pounds 
of brimstone ; and Mr. Whittlesey to furnish 20 blankets for said fur- 
nace, and both to be delivered to Capt. Tiley, at Hartford. 

Capt. B. Leflfingwcll applied for money to pay the premium of hia 
company, raised for Providence, and received an order of £86. — 
Norwich, per order, furnished said company with fire arms, <kc. 

In Session, February 13. 
Capt. Grant applied for Justus Niles to return home, and permis- 
sion was granted, by his giving a bond, 6cc. 

Vacancies of oflScers in Col. Chandler's regiment, were filled. 

In Session, February 14. 
Letters were sent by Capt. Mansfield, via. Providence, to Livingston 
At Trumbull, (agents for the country,) at Boston, to purchase clothing 
for our soldiers, viz. : for four battalions, and the 1st regiment to be of 
a dark brown color. 



412 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

Letters were sent to ^rr. J. Trumbull, at Boston, to purchase fire 
arms, if to be had, for four regiments ; and authorized said Trumbull 
to draw on the Treasurer of this State for any sum he should find ne- 
cessary, to purchase any quantity of fire arms, accoutrements, and 
clothing he might purchase in any of the New England States, for 
this State. 

Timothy Taylor was appointed 2d lieutenant of Capt. Hinkley's 
company, in the place of Lieut. Judson Whiting, deceased ; and Rufus 
Prince, ensign of said company. 

. John Shumway was appointed captain, in the room of Capt. Bacon, 
in Col. Huntington's regiment. Henry Hill, 1st lieutenant in Rich- 
ard's company, in the place of Abraham Wright, resigned. Joel 
Gillet, 2d lieutenant ; Paul Piercival, adjutant in said Huntington's 
regiment. Martin Kirtland was appointed captain of a company in 
Col. W. Douglass' regiment, instead of Capt. Munson, resigned. 

A permit was granted to Thomas Cooper, a commissary of "stores, 
at Montreal ; and his wife, to go to Gen. Schuyler, and be subject to 
his orders ; on his giving his parole to the committee of prisoners at 
Hartford, in the usual form, to be endorsed on the permit, authorizing 
said committee, if they see cause, to permit eight Canadian prisoners, 
about Hartford, to go to Gen. Schuyler, and be subject to his orders. 

A permit was given Mr. Monson Hoit, at Stratford, to pass to 
Jamaica, on Long Island, to visit his patron, Mr. Christopher Smith, 
and return to Stratford within 30 days, by his giving his parole to the 
authority to give no intelligence, &c., and to have the committee of 
Stratford endorse said permit. 

Bildad Granger was appointed 1st lieutenant in Capt. Hall's com- 
pany, in Col. Chandler's regiment ; Paul Brigham was appointed 
captain in Col. Chandler's regiment. 

John Halsted was permitted to purchase 6 hogsheads of sugar, 1 
hogshead of rum, 1 chest of tea, and 1,500 weight of coffee, in this 
State, at the lawful prices, and carry the same to New Jersey ; after- 
wards enlarged to 6,000 pounds of coffee. 

In Session, February 15. 

Capt. Ledyard and Capt. Palmer were sent for to consult about 
raising artillery companies. 

An order was given on Gen.. J. Huntington, for a chest of broken 
fire arms, (he received from the Oliver Cromwell,) to William WiU 
liams, who was directed to see the same repaired for the use of the 
State. 

Gen. Parsons was desired to draw on Col's. Huntington's and Dur- 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 413 

kee's regiments at the posts and forts at NeAv London, Groton, and 
Stonington, for defence at those places. 

Lieut. Dyer Throop, with the advice of Gen. Parsons, was directed 
to dismiss the mihtia at New London and Groton, in such form as to 
retain a number for defence, until the continental regiments should 
arrive for that purpose. Capt. Nathan Palmer, at Stonington, was 
directed to dismiss his company as soon as Gen. Parsons should send 
to that place a sufficient number of continental troops for the defence 
of that post. 

The Governor and Council voted to raise a company of artillery, to 
be stationed at Groton and Stonington, until the 1st day of February, 
1778 — with 1 captain, 1 captain. lieutenant, 2 lieutenants, 1 lieutenant 
fire worker, 3 sargeants, 3 corporals, 1 drummer, 1 fifer, 8 gunners, 
and 33 privates, &c. Capt. William Ledyard was appointed captain 
of said company. 

Col. J. Huntington's battalions were ordered to be clothed with the 
red coats brought in a prize vessel, in the hands of Dr. Samuel Gray, 
of Windham, and in the hands of Col. S. Webb, at Wethersfield. 

John Ripley, of Windham, was appointed major of four companies, 
under Capts. Ebenezer Mosely, Asa Kinne, Benajah Leffingwell, and 
Sanford Kingsbury, Esq'rs. 

Ix Session, (Monday) February 17. 

Congress resolved, that two frigates should be built in Connecticut ; 
one of 36 and the other of 28 guns. Gov. Trumbull and his Council 
were empowered to determine at what*places said frigates should be 
built, and to appoint proper persons to execute and superintend the 
business. The Governor and Council decided that one of said fri- 
gates, (the one of 3G guns) should be built in the river Thames, between 
New London and Norwich ; and appointed Capt. Joshua Huntington, 
of Norwich, to execute and superintend the building of the same. The 
Governor and Council voted to raise a company of matross, to be sta- 
tioned at New London, in the service of the State, until the 1st day of 
February, 1778. Nathaniel Saltonstall Avas appointed captain of said 
company ; Nathaniel Coit, Jr., captain-lieutenant ; Daniel Starr, 
lieutenant ; and Daniel Dee, 2d heutenant of said company of artillery, 
and Blackney, lieutenant fire worker. 

The Governor and Council voted, that Samuel Gray, of Windham, 
should deliver to Col. Jedediah Huntington, colonel of a battalion 
(then) raising for continental service during the war, or for three years, 
or his order, the 30 packages of clothing in his hands, taken in a prize 
ship, each of them numbered on the invoice. 
53 



414 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

I^Iession, February 18. 

The Governor and Council decided that the frigate of 28 guns, to be 
built in this State, should be built on the Connecticut river, at Chatham ; 
and appointed John Cotton, of Middletown, to execute and superintend 
the building of said frigate. 

Voted, to draw on Col. William Williams, of Lebanon, to deliver 
to Capt. Benajah Leffingwell, of Norwich, or order, 29 fire arms, with 
or without bayonets, for the use of Capt. B. Leffingwell's company ; 
also to call on Col. Joshua Huntington, to deliver the selectmen of 
Norwich, 13 colony arms for Capt. Leffingwell's company. 

A permit was given to Samuel Coburn for 100 pounds of flax, and 
George Coburn for 200 pounds of flax, and to one Blanchard for 200 
pounds, to be by them carried to New Hampshire, the embargo not- 
withstanding. 

Gideon Mills was appointed 1st lieutenant in Col. C. Webb's regi- 
ment, in Capt. Parker's company, in the place of Samuel Webb, absent. 

George Hubbard was appointed 1st lieutenant in Capt. Hinkley's 
company, in Col. Webb's regiment, instead of James Betts. 

Theophilus Munson was appointed captain of a company in Col. 
Chandler's regiment, in place of Stephen Hall. 

Irij Session, February 19. 

John Lightbody had a permit given to transport 4 hogsheads of rum 
out of this colony to the State of New York, for the use of the people 
of Orange county. 

Dudley Wright, Jr., was a"ppointed 1st lieutenant; Solomon Tarbox, 
2d lieutenant ; and Prentice Hosmer, ensign in a company in Col. 
Wyllys' regiment. 

An order of £108 : 13 : 4 was drawn to pay for 326 gallons of rum 
bought of Zabdial Rogers, <k,c., for the use of the men at the cannon 
foundry at Salisbury. 

Hezekiah Ripley, Jr., had an order of £3 : 16, for his journey and 
expense to Boston, on continental business. 

The committee of pay table were directed to deliver to the commis- 
sioner of the loan office for this State, the certificates of the continental 
loan office that had been, or should be sent to this State, for the loan 
office here ; and that the pay table here receive of the commissioner 
of the continental loan office for this State, the contents of two orders, 
drawn on said loan office, by the continental Treasurer, in favor of this 
State — one dated January 6, 1777, of $40,000 ; the other January 30, 
1777, for $33,333 34, in paypent of the sum advanced to Col. She!- 
don, at the request of Gen. Washington, &c. 



REVOLUTIONAKY WAR, 1777. 415 

An officer enquired of the Governor and Council whether he could 
enlist soldiers for the continental service, out of a company detached or 
enlisted for a short or a particular service ? The opinion of said Board 
was, that any officer, appointed by this State, to enlist for continental 
service in the State, could enlist such soldiers from detached compa. 
nies, or enlisted companies, for any short or particular service. And 
his premium or bounty deducted from the j£10 bounty given by this 
State, in continental service, in proportion to the time he had served 
in said particular service. 

Andrew Fitch was appointed captain in Col. Durkee's regiment, 
instead of Capt. Tyler, resigned. 

A permit was given to Capt. Giles Mansfield, to transport 6 hogs- 
heads of sugar to Peekskill, at the desire of Gen. Arnold, for the army. 

In Session, February 20. 
An order was given on Christopher Leffingwell and William Coit, 
to deliver one hogshead of the molasses, called tory molasses, to Joseph 
Abel, for the furnace at Salisbury ; and said Abel's receipt for it, 
deliver to Capt. J. Perkins and Rufus Lathrop. 

An order of £2 was given the Governor for money he paid Benjamin 
Boss, of Baltimore, (who he redeemed from captivity,) for his expenses 
homeward. 

Application was made to the Governor and Council, by Ezekiel 
Howell, Daniel Howell, and others, refugees from Long Island, and 
friends to the country ; and asked relief in getting their effects from 
said island to Connecticut, as all intercourse was by law prohibited. 
Orders were given to the civil authority and selectmen of the towns 
of Saybrook*a.nd Stonington in their respective towns, on application, 
by any such refugees for boats or vessels, to bring their efiects, after 
being satisfied of the integrity of the applicants to license any boats or 
vessels, and hands to assist to bring their goods, &c.,from Long Island 
to Connecticut, or any friendly persons disposed to remove from Long 
Island to Connecticut ; and to afford any such suffering refugees all 
reasonable relief, and aid to obtain such boats, &;c., as their circum- 
stances should require, at their own risk and expense, using prudence 
that no deceit be practiced under color of such license, by any con- 
cerned. The above authority to continue six weeks, and due return 
make to the Governor and Council. 

Jonathan Stone and Elisha Keys were permitted to purchase and 
carry out of this State, 800 pounds of flax, to Shrewsbury. 

The town of Hebron had an order on Elderkin & Wales for 200 
pounds of powder. i 



41 G REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

Samuel Granger wf^p^ppointed captain in Col. Webb's regiment, 
instead of Abiel Pease, resigned. 

Benjamin Holcoinb was appointed 2d lieutenant in the same company. 

Elijah Backus was ordered to make another cannon, as the first he 
made, split in proving. 

Ix Session, February 21. 
A letter received from Gen. Washington of tlie 10th of February, 
stated, that he found it impossible to prevent the small pox from spread- 
ing through the army, and that he had determined to inoculate all the 
new troops who had not had the disease ; that he had given directions 
to Gen. Parsons to superintend the inoculation of the continental troops 
in Connecticut. The Governor and Council therefore ordered, that 
the new raised troops, in this State, for continental service, should be 
inoculated with the small pox as soon as might be, with as little danger 
to the inhabitants as possible ; and Gen. Parsons was desired to consult 
with the civil authority and selectmen of the several towns, where he 
should have said troops inoculated ; to provide suitable hospitals for 
the purpose, and provide surgeons, nurses, and attendants, and give 
orders for necessary bedding, utensils, food, medicine, &c., to be fur- 
nished for said soldiers ; also fo give orders for guards to be placed 
about said hospitals, to prevent all unnecessary communication with 
said infected persons from without, and to prevent said infected soldiers 
from wandering out of said hospitals and exposing the inhabitants. 
And when convalescent to be thoroughly cleansed in their persons and 
clothing — (all without any expense to this State.) The civil authority 
and selectmen of the several towns, were directed to render Gen. Par- 
sons all necessary aid, and to take the utmost care that the small pox 
should not spread from the hospitals ; and to make rules for the govern- 
ment of said patients in the hospitals. The families of such persons as 
should use their houses as hospitals had the privilege of inoculation 
therein, with the soldiers. Gen. Parsons was directed to report to the 
Governor from time to time, his progress in said business. 

Erastus Wolcott, Jr., was appointed 1st lieutenant in Capt. Parson's 
company, in Col. Webb's regiment, in the continental service ; Tinio- 
thy White, 2d lieutenant ; Noah Phelps, of East Windsor, ensign in 
said company. 
. An order was given on Dr. J. Elderkin, to deliver Col. W. Douglass, 
f or his order, 300 blue coats in his possession, lappelled with ash colored 
cloth. 

The Governor was desired to draw on President Hancock for 
$25,000, in favor of N. Shaw, Jr., upon the credit of the State. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 417 

A bounty of £10 was offered to each non-commissioned officer and 
soldier who should enlist, and be accepted as of the quota of soldiers 
(then) to be raised in the State, to make up the sixteen battalions 
ordered by Congress to be raised in the United States, in addition to 
the eighty-eight battalions, for three years, or during the war ; which 
bounty was to be in addition to the continental encouragement to be 
given said troops, as was done in the eight battalions ordered by 
Congress. 

In Session, February 22. 

An order was drawn on Prosper Wetmore, Esq., in favor of Capt. 
S. Harding, for £1,000 : 15 : 6|, in full of Harding's account. 

John L. C. Rome, Esq., of New York, confined as a tory at Nor- 
wich, was permitted to return to New York, on his parole, in the usual 
form, and to return on request of the Governor and Council. 

In Session, February 24. 

A large number of tories appeared before the Governor and Council ; 
and permission was voted to Job Bamlost, Enoch Warren, Joseph 
Olmsted, and Richard Partricks, of Norwich, (who resided in Coven. 
try,) Frederick Dibble and Stephen Wilson, at Lebanon, to return 
home, and remain until recalled or sent back ; each of whom signed 
a full declaration of the justice of the x\merican cause, and their readi> 
ness to take up arms in defence of said cause. 

Gardner Olmsted, of Norwalk, Nathaniel Munday, and Samuel 
Crissy, of Stamford, came in and signed the aforesaid declaration, and 
were also permitted to return home. 

Gen. Spencer arrived from Providence, and moved the Governor 
and Council, if practicable, to have some further relief and assistance 
of men, &c., to enable him to carry into execution the proposed plan 
of making an attack upon the island of Rhode Island, with a view to 
dislodge the enemy's troops posted there, having made great prepara- 
tion for that purpose ; and stated that more men were wanted to make 
the attempt. 

Maj. Wyllys, who had been to solicit an exchange of himself, and 
was not able to effect it, but had liberty to do so, if he could send Capt. 
Luke, a prisoner, into this State, &c. 

Hubbard and John Wilson, tory prisoners, in Lebanon, had fre- 
quently visited houses infected with the small pox, and returned into 
company to expose those who had not been infected, which greatly 
alarmed the inhabitants of Lebanon ; and had travelled over their 
limits to Mhich they were confined, &c. The Governor and Council 



418 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

ordered them, under UM^direction of the selectmen of said town, as to 
their residence and conduct, on pain of imprisonment, or other punish- 
ment, directed by said Board. 

In Session, February 26. 
It was decided by the Governor and Council that the proportion of 
men to be raised by Connecticut, of the sixteen regiments to be raised 
in the United States, was 1,000 men. And directed the bounty money 
to be distributed as follows, viz. : to those under Col. Samuel B. Webb, 
to the number of 500 ; to those under Lieut. Col. R. J. Meigs, 250 ; 
those under Lieut. Col. Thomas Dyer, 250. And the committee of 
pay table were ordered to draw on the Treasurer for said bounty to be 
advanced to the captains in said battalions, in this State. 

In Session, February 27. 

A consultation was held by the Governor and Council about the 
alarming accounts of extortion and evasions of dealers in all West 
India goods, and the great difficulties brought upon the people by 
means of such practices. 

John Harris was appointed 1st lieutenant in Capt. Nathaniel Webb's 
company. 

William Nichols was appointed pay master of Col. Swift's regiment. 

Gen. Spencer appeared again before the Governor and Council, and 
was greatly disappointed in not obtaining the troops he had been en- 
couraged to have received from Gen. Pars ons ; and thought it doubtful 
whether he could possibly get a sufficienj number of men for his pro- 
posed expedition to Newport, dtc. But Gen. Spencer concluded to 
return to Providence, and learn whether he could procure any aid from 
Massachusetts ; and if he could, he was authorized by the Governor 
and Council to call upon a number of officers at the eastern part of 
Connecticut to raise such a number of men as they could, to aid in said 
expedition, to be paid by the State. 

$60,000 was sent to Gov. Trumbull, by order of Gen. Washington, 
from Mr. Palfrey, pay master general of the continental army, towards 
the premium granted by Congress to the continental troops (then) 
raising in this State, to be delivered to the colonels of the battalions. 
The Governor and Council authorized David Trumbull to receive said 
money, and pay it to the several colonels of said battahons ; $20,000 
of which, had by an express request of Gen. Washington, been sent to 
Gen. Knox, of the artillery. 

In Session, February 28. 
Benjamin Brown, of Fisher's Island, appeared, and moved for his 
compensation for stock taken from him in July, 1776. The amount of 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 419 

said stock, appraised by E. Ledyard, E. Avery, Jr, and R. Mumford, 
was £570 : 3 ; which was allowed and paid. John Winthrop, admin- 
istrator of John Still Winthrop, Esq., (then) deceased, certified that 
said Brown was under bonds for the performance of his lease of said 
island, and accountable to the heirs of said Winthrop, for the use of 
said island, the stock, &c., therefore an order was drawn for the same, 
in favor of said Brown. 

A long consultation was held by the Governor and Council, how and 
in what manner they could check the extortion so prevalent. 

Nehemiah Rice was appointed 1st lieutenant in Capt. David ^mith's 
company, in Col. Chandler's regiment, and transferred Lieut. Bald- 
win from that «>company to Capt. Botsford's company, in Col. Swift's 
regiment. 

Mr. Griffith, of Guilford, was permitted to go out with a vessel 
loaded with staves, &c., five barrels of pork and beef, including vessel's 
stores, and return with a cargo of salt. 

Mr. Andrew Huntington, of Norwich, was directed to purchase 50 
hogsheads of West India and New England rum, for a supply of the 
troops of the State, for a sum not to exceed the price fixed by law. 
Chauncey Whittlesey, of Middletown, was also ordered to purchase 
100 hogsheads of West India and New England rum, for the same 
purpose. David Webb, of Stamford, was also directed to purchase 
100 hogsheads of West India or New England rum, for said use, and 
each of them report their success. 

The Governor prepared and had printed a proclamation, to enforce 
the law for regulating prices, &;c. 

Ijv Session, March 5. 

A long consultation was holden by the Governor and Council, of the 
practicability, and how to effect an attempt upon Long Island, to des- 
troy forage, &;c., &c., according to Gen. Washington's proposal, in 
his letter to Gen. Parsons, who was present with the letter. [The let- 
ter is now in the hands of Enoch Parsons, Esq., son of Gen. Parsons.] 

It was voted, to draw off Col. Ely from Providence, to march to 
New London with four companies of his men, to wait further orders. 

Doolittle & Co. were ordered to deliver the selectmen of Milford 
150 pounds of cannon powder, for the use of the fort in said Milford. 

Eli Catlin was appointed captain in Col. Heman Swift's regiment, 
instead of Capt. R. Walker, engaged in the train of artillery. 

In Session, March 6. 
Joseph Fisk was appointed 2d lieutenant in Capt. Lee's company, in 
Col. Durkee's regiment. 



420 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

William Fitch, a tMMconvict, confined in Canterbury, was permit- 
ted to return to Stamford and back to Canterbury, within twenty days, 
by his giving a bond, 6i,c. 

Chauncey Whittlesey had an order of £540, to purchase clothing. 

In Session, March 7. 
Sailing orders were given to Capt. Niles to go in the Spy to Mary, 
land or Virginia, after flour, &;c. 

Isaac Sherman was appointed lieutenant colonel, in Charles Webb's 
battalion, in continental service. 

Hezekiah Holdridge was appointed major of Col. C. Webb's regi- 
ment aforesaid ; Mr. Webb was appointed pay master of pol. C. Webb's 
regiment. 

Upon a memorial of Capt. John Nott and others, commander and 
and owners of the brig of war America, then lying at Black Rock, in 
Fairfield, for a permit to take on board a sufficient number of men, 
and remove said brig to the port of New London ; which was granted, 
with an order to dismiss, on arriving there, all the men, except enough 
to work on board and take care of said brig. 

John Tuttle, of Southhold, on Long island, who fled for refuge to 
this State, was permitted to transport, by land, from this State, to the 
State of New York, 13 hogsheads of rum, and 10 hogsheads of sugar, 
for the continental army. 

David Munro was permitted to bring 3,600 pounds of flax, by him 
purchased in this State, to Hartford, and there deposite it with Capt. 
William Tyley, until further orders. 

Capt. Bill was directed to deliver a barrel of rum to Capt. R. Niles, 
for the schooner Spy. 

John Mills was appointed 1st lieutenant of a company in Col. Swift's 
regiment. 

£16 : 16 was paid John Mills, for money he advanced for expenses 
in defending Fairfield harbor. 

In Session, March 8. 

Thomas Allen was confined as a tory, to the limits of the first society 
in Windham, under the care of Maj. E. Backus, &c., until further 
orders. 

As the time of service of the militia, at New London and Groton, 
had nearly expired, the Governor and Council ordered, that one-fourth 
part of the" 3d and 8th regiments of militia, in the State, should be 
drafted, and formed into companies, and officered by 1 captain, 1 lieu, 
tenant, and 1 ensign, to be appointed by the field officers of those regi- 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 421 

rnents. Those drafted from the 3d regiment, to form one company ; 
and those drafted from the 8th regiment, to be formed into two compa. 
nies. And the veteran guards in the 20th regiment was augmented to 
64 privates, by a draft from other companies in said regiment, (exclu- 
sive of light infantry,) and placed under the officers of the veteran 
guards ; and when so formed, were ordered to be marched to said forts. 
Those from the 3d and 20th regiments, to garrison at or near New 
London. Those of the 8th regiment, at the forts at Groton ; and all 
to be under the command of Mfaj. Nathan Gallup, until the 15lh of 
April, 1777, unless sooner discharged. 

John Mills was appointed captain of a company in Col. Swift's regi- 
ment, in the continental service ; Sylvanus Mead, of Greenwich, was 
appointed 1st lieutenant of the same company. 

Andrew Huntington, commissary of clothing for the army, was di- 
rected to deliver Col. J. Huntington 700 hats for his regiment. 

David Spencer was appointed 2d- lieutenant in Capt. Holmes' compa- 
ny, in Col. Huntington's regiment, histead of Thomas Updike Fos- 
dick ; Gideon Baily was appointed ensign of the same company. 

An order of £1,500, in favor of Capt Deshon, was drawn on Prosper 
Wetmore, Esq., for services and expenses. 

The military guard, stationed at Fairfield, was placed under the di- 
rection of Gen. Silliman, with the advice of the civil authority of said 
town, as to the particular place where said guards should do duty ; 
and the selectmen of said town were authorized to draw on Doolittle & 
Co., for such quantity of cannon powder, &;c., as they thought neces- 
sary, for the cannon, &c., in said Fairfield ; and Gen. Silliman, with 
the advice aforesaid, was empowered to use the cannon, &c., in said 
town, at his discretion. 

In Sessioiv, March 11. 

£20 was allowed to Jesse Brown, post to Gen. Washington and 
Congress, who rode to Connecticut ; charged the continent. 

David Strong was appointed 1st lieutenant in Capt. Solomon Strong's 
company, in Col. Bradley's regiment, instead of Lieut. Banks ; Ebene- 
zer Olmsted, appointed 2d lieutenant, in Capt. Sanford's company, in 
said Bradley's regiment, instead of T. Weed, resigned. 

It was voted, to raise a company of artillery, of 32 men, to be sta. 
tioned at Fairfield, properly officered, and John Greenell was appoint- 
ed captain of said company ; and Gen. Silliman was empowered to 
appoint a lieutenant for said company. 

Whereas the quota of troops from Connecticut, were greatly needed 
to join Maj. Gen. Spencer's division of the army, at Rhode Island, 
54 



422 RKVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

and the more eastern iiPments in the State had been frequently called 
into service, &;c., and were (then) returning with a great appearance 
of the British ships and troops off New London, &cc. ; it was thought 
advisable, and the Governor and Council did order that six companies 
should be detached, of 86 privates in each company, properly officered, 
for said purpose, viz. : to detach one company from the 11th regiment ; 
one from the 18th regiment ; two from the 19th regiment ; one from 
the 21st regiment ; and from the 22d regiment one company. Each 
company to be commanded by 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, and 1 ensign, 
appointed by the field officers of said regiment, accoutered and marched 
to Providence, under the command of Maj. John Ripley, and put them- 
selves under the commanding officers at Providence, until the 1st day 
of May, 1777, unless sooner discharged. Such as were drafted for 
this expedition, were to be excused from further drafts, until the 
remainder of their companies had been drafted. 

Jacob Griffin was permitted to carry 4 hogsheads of New England 
rum to the State of New York, for the use of the inhabitants of the 
State. 

Isaac Turner was appointed 1st lieutenant in Capt. R. Lewis' com- 
pany, in Col. Webb's regiment. 

In Session, March 14. 

Jonathan Sled was appointed ensign in Capt. Beardslee's company, 
in Col. Swift's regiment ; Jonathan Moore, ensign in Capt. Chapman's 
company, same regiment ; Adino Hale, ensign in Theodore Wood- 
bridge's company, same regiment. 

Col. Andrew Morehouse was permitted to purchase 2 hogsheads of 
West India rum, and 2 hogsheads of sugar, and transport them to the 
State of New York, for the use of the inhabitants of that State. 

Capt. Vine Elderkin, and his subalterns and company, in Col. Swift's 
regiment, were arranged as at first ; and Capt. John Mills annexed to 
Col. John Chandler's regiment, instead of Capt. Elderkin and his 
company. 

Capt. Michael Melally was dismissed from the ship Oliver Cromwell, 
on his own request. 

Gen. Sullivan came before the Governor and Council in the after, 
noon, with important letters from Gen. Washington, concerning another 
supply of militia, and the state of his army — which was considered. • 

Mr. Kirtland appeared before the Governor and Council, and had 
with him a number of Indian warriors from Onieda, and held a long 
conversation about the Indians. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 423 

In Session, March 15. 

Aaron Butler was appointed ensign in Capt. Barnard's company, in 
Col. Wyllys' regiment. 

£25 was voted in favor of the Rev. Samuel Kirtland, to bear his 
expenses through this State to Gen. Washington. 

Mr. Kirtland again came in before the Governor and Council with 
six warriors, from the Six Nations, viz. : Kayendalongueva ; A Chosen 
Free Williamko, (head warrior) ; Thaghnegtotis, (pine splinter) ; Hen- 
drake, (the second warrior) ; Shaleslago, (blazing spear) ; Quedel, 
alais (Peter); Yeghlegtitzi, (Joseph) ; Thaghlaghquisene, (William); 
Yolonghyagewea, (clear sky), who were travelling through the States 
for information regarding the war, and report to the Six Nations ; the 
forepart of the day was principally spent in delivering to them a speech 
and belt, and hearing their answer ; when a gun, gun lock, belt, and 
strings were delivered them in token of friendship. The gun and lock 
was manufactured in Connecticut, and given as a specimen of Ameri- 
can workmanship. 

A letter from a great house in France, to the Governor, was read, 
offering supplies to this country ; and the Governor and Council 
appeared much pleased. 

In Session, March 17. 

One ton of flax was permitted to be purchased in Fairfield county, 
to be carried to New Braintree, in Massachusetts, to be made into 
clothes for the continental army. 

Gen. Parsons, Col. Bradley, and Lieut. Col. Dimon were present, 
and spent considerable time with the Governor and Council in arrang- 
ing officers, &;c., and exchanging some subalterns from one place to 
another. 

Tolland had an order for 100 pounds of powder, for town stock. 

A proclamation to several regiments to detach men to go to Peeks- 
kill, by a requisition of Gen. Washington, was issued by the Governor. 

In Session, March 18. 

Ebsnezer Gray was appointed major in Col. Douglass' regiment, in 
the continental service, in the place of Isaac Sherman. 

The Governor wrote a letter to the Committee of War, in Massachu- 
setts, to supply Gen. Parsons with proper medicine, for the purpose of 
inoculation for the small pox. 

A letter from Capt. Harding was before the Governor and Council, 
asking advice as to allowing Cornelius Dunham, of the brig Defence, 
who was wounded in the battle in Boston Bay, (and was at home lame 



424 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

at the lime of a cruise iBllrwards,) his share of the prize money, and 
his wages, while he was disabled to serve, by reason of his wound ; 
which was ordered to be allowed by the Governor and Council. 

Little progress was made in filling the continental battalions ordered 
raised in the State, though it was deemed of vast importance that the 
troops should be immediately raised, and that no exertions should be 
spared in doing it, as from all appearances it was at least probable that 
should the United States freely exert themselves at that time, and a 
few months longer the war might be brought to a close, and peace 
restored to the country. The States had gained many advantages over 
the enemy, which ought to encourage the people of the States to exert 
themselves in defence of their just rights, and m filling said battalions 
for that purpose. It was therefore voted to ascertain the quota of each 
town to fill said battalions ; and it was ordered, that the civil authority, 
selectmen, and military officers, and all friends to the liberties of man- 
kind, should be requested and exhorted to exert themselves to their 
utmost, and that immediately, as they regarded the welfare and salva- 
tion of their country, in encouraging and procuring the quotas of their 
respective towns to engage in said service, and encourage such enlist- 
ments ; and lest some might be embarrassed in leaving their families 
unprovided for in their absence, it was earnestly recommended to the 
towns to engage and promise such soldiers as would enter said service, 
that their families should be supplied with all necessaries at the price 
fixed by law ; and that each town should appoint a committee to see 
them provided for, on such soldiers lodging or remitting money for that 
purpose, without any additional expense to said soldiers. Such com- 
mittees were accordingly ordered, with directions to adhere strictly to 
the law regulating prices, and to exert themselves to have their quotas 
of the continental army immediately completed, as the personal secu- 
rity, liberty, and happiness of every individual was deeply concerned, 
and freedom or bondage secured and entailed to all posterity by the 
issue of the struggle. And every person in their several capacities 
were called to a vigorous exertion for the defence and security of their 
country. It was most earnestly recommended to all her virtuous sons, 
without delay, to oflTer themselves for the service of God and their 
country, in the righteous cause, and lo prevent the disagreeable neces- 
sity of the frequent rotation of the men from the militia, whereby the 
husbandry and manufacturers were so much injured. And the Gov- 
ernor was desired to issue his orders, of the import aforesaid. 

A letter was written Capt. Coit, to come directly to Lebanon, and 
bring in his account for settlement. 

The committee of prisoners, at Windham, were ordered to collect 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 425 

and send, in some safe way, all the prisoners at Windham, (that were 
taken by Commodore Hopkins,) who desired to be exchanged, and 
deliver them to the care of Mr. N. Shaw, Jr., at New London, to be 
exchanged ; first taking care that any officers among them pay or draw 
their bills for their expenses and charge of support, and keep an ac- 
coiiiit of the expense of the whole. 

In Session, March 19. 

Letters were received from Gen. Silliman, respecting the alarming 
situation of their affairs, &c., by attacks of the enemy, &c. 

The blankets that had been ordered by the General Assembly, to be 
provided by the towns for the use of the public, were ordered by the 
Governor and Council, to be delivered for the use of the continental 
soldiers of the towns, to the commanding officers of said troops, in 
this State ; and all the fire arms, blankets, &;c., belonging to the towns 
or the public, within said towns, that had been delivered to the soldiers 
on short marches or tours of duty, to collect and repair, and when 
repaired, delivered to such commanding officers or colonels, as had the 
charge of troops in this State. 

Gen. Silliman was desired to purchase for the State, 30 tons of flax, 
which he had notified the Governor and Council he could procure. 

In Session, March 20. 
A requisition from Gen. Washington, dated March 6, 1777, pressing 
and earnestly calling for one more exertion of the public spirit of Con- 
necticut, by cmother supply of 2,000 troops of the militia, to be irame- 
diately marched to Peekskill, in the State of New York, and there to 
wait further orders ; to continue in service six weeks after their arri- 
val at Peekskill. The requisition was grounded on reasons of very 
great, interesting, and irresistible weight and importance, such as would 
justify themselves to every friend of his country, of all ranks ; though 
the particular reasons and design could not, with propriety, be disclosed 
at that time. The Governor and Council, took said requisition into 
secret and serious consideration, and judged the same to be of too 
great and interesting a nature to either be delayed or neglected. The 
strange and unhappy delay of filling our quota of the continental army, 
and the expiration of the term of four battalions, rendered this meas- 
ure indispensably necessary. Though the Board were not unmindful 
of the difficulties which might be occasioned by calling aw^ay so many 
men, at that busy season of the year ; yet they considered the unspeak- 
able importance of the cause ; that the burden lay equally on all the 
States ; that the contest in all probability would be short, if the people 



426 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

would be true to then^lves ; that the war would have been closed 
even before that time, if our exertions had been equal to the strength 
which God had given the country for defence ; that the blessings con- 
tended for were what the Almighty had bestowed upon us, with full 
confidence he would continue our faithful endeavors ; that the future 
generations would be established in the best and highest civil and reli- 
gious liberty, or bound by the most galling yoke of wretched slavery, 
according to our conduct and exertions for liberty for a very short 
time longer ; and that in the highest probability had the army been 
once filled, the country would have had no further occasion to have 
called for the militia, but could have made an effectual stand against 
all the efforts of the enemy, with a fair prospect of a speedy termina- 
tion of the war. Under these circumstances, it was most reasonably 
expected, that no friend of his country would grudge so short an ex. 
ertion as was required by Gen. Washington : — Therefore the com- 
manding officers of ten regiments were commanded, forthwith, to cause 
to be detached out of their regiments, in proportion, from the several 
companies and rolls to the number of 2,000 men in the whole, unless 
said number should turn out and voluntarily enlist for said service, 
which they were earnestly solicited to do, and supply themselves, as 
far as possible, Avith arms, &c., and such as should be deficient in arms, 
&;c., to be supplied by the authority and selectmen of said towns, either 
by impressing or otherwise ; and men were called upon to turn out 
their guns, &;c. freely for this sudden and important service, and that 
justice should be done them for it in every respect. The men were 
ordered to be formed into companies, by the field officers of the regi. 
ments to which they belonged, and mai'ch to Peekskill, without delay, 
under the command of such militia officers as should be selected by said 
field officers ; with 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, and 1 ensign for each com- 
pany ; formed into three regiments of equal numbers, and of the most 
convenient companies, and under field officers selected by the Gover- 
nor and Council ; conditioned that those who had not had the small 
pox, should not be exposed to it by going farther than Peekskill, (where 
it did not prevail,) &c. 

Letters of instruction to the field officers of the ten regiments for 
drafting 2,000 men, to march to Peekskill, agreeable to the earnest 
request of Gen. Washington, were sent them. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

Geii. Wads worth was appointed to command said 
as brigadier general. 
The 1st reg't. Col. Wyllys, 



6th 
10th 
13th 
14th 
15th 
16th 
17th 
18th 
23d 



do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 



Belden, 

M. Cook, 

Mosely, 

Burrall, 

Hooker, 

P. Cook, 

O. VVolcott, 2 

Humphrey, 2 

Sage, 1 



2 companies of 96 men 
11 do. " 



3 

21 

2 
2 



do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 



10 regiments, 



20 companies. 



Four commissioned officers to each company, 



427 

ten regiments 

each, 192 men. 

' 144 " 

' 288 « 

' 240 " 

•* 144 " 

'« 192 « 

'« 192 " 

192 « 

« 192 « 

" 144 " 



1,920 men 
80 



2,000 men 



The Is^regunent 2 companies,^ Thomas Belden, colonel. 

^ * r Seth Smith, lieutenant colonel. 

18th do. 2 do. I ivT .u • 1 D 

Nathaniel Brown, maior. 

23d do. U do. J "^ 



7 companies. 

The 13th regiment 2 J companies, 
14th do. 11 do. 
16th do. 2 do. 

6 companies. 



Increase Mosely, colonel. 
Joshua Porter, lieut. colonel. 
Jethro Hatch, major. 



The 10th regiment 3 companies, j Noadiah Hooker, colonel. 

15th do. 2 do. > Epaphras Sheldon, lieut. colonel. 

17th do. 2 do. ) Gad Stanly, major. 

7 companies. 
The above are the detachments regimented. 

A letter from a large number of men in Farmington, concerning the 
tories there, was received. 

An order was given to N. Miner, Esq., to purchase or seize 10,000 
pounds of cheese, in Stonington, for the State. Capt. Nathan Palmer, 
of Stonington, was directed to purchase 20,000 weight of cheese to 
supply the State troops, at the price fixed by law ; provided he should 
be unable to purchase the same, and found in the hands of any person, 



428 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

more than was sufficie^fcr tlieir family's use, he was authorized to 
seize and take the same for the purpose aforesaid, and pay them the 
price fixed by law, and make report of his doings. 

In Session, March 21. 

Commissions were filled for officers of alarm list, for Col's. Daniel- 
son's, Chapman's, and Lattimer's regiments. 

Despatched orders to the selectmen of all the towns, to encourage 
the raising of the army, &:c. 

Mr. Erkelens who had been sent for, came in and consulted with 
the Governor and Council about addressing Mr. DeCapelle, «Scc. 

In Session, March 22. 

A letter was sent by Mr. Bennet, to Gen. Washington, informing 
him that his request as to the 2,000 militia had been complied with ; 
and that the troops had been assured that they should not be sent into 
Jersey, if there should be any danger of taking the small pox, &c. 

Phineas Carey, Solomon Lord, Eleazer Welsh, Ely SpafFord, Samuel 
Stoddard, Hezekiah Abbe, Arad Simons, of Windham, and Thomas 
Holbrook, of Lebanon, were released from the ship Oliver Cromwell ; 
their wages were to cease at the time of their leaving the ship on 
furlough. 

John Winthrop, Esq., of New London, asked permission of the Gov- 
ernor and Council for his workmen and tenants on Fisher's Island, to 
be permitted to pass from town to town on the main, to procure necessa- 
ries, dtc. The Governor and Council authorized the selectmen of 
New London to permit said tenants, &c., to pass and repass to and 
from said island to the main, for necessaries, to visit their families, as 
they should think proper under such cautions, limitations, &c., to pre- 
vent any intelligence being given to the enemy, a written pass was to 
be given said tenants. 

In Session, March 25. 

Letters were sent to Col. Davenport in answer to his, concerning 
tories, and troops for defence, he was referred to Gen. Silliman ; and 
referred to Capt. Isaac Miles concerning armed vessels to cruise in 
the sound ; to Capt. Squire to supply said armed vessels with provis- 
ions, and to Gen. Silliman as to fixing said armed vessels, and supply, 
ing troops for Stamford. 

An order was given Doolittle & Co. to deliver the selectmen of Stam- 
ford, 600 pounds of powder, and to the overseers of the furnace, to 
deliver them thirty 6 pound shot, thirty 3 pound, and thirty 2 pound 
round shot, for Stamford ; and to Fairfield, one 6 pound and one 3 



REVOLUTIOiNAKY WAR, 1777. 429 

pound cannon ; and to Lieut. Havvley, of Stratford, one G pound and 
one 3 pound cannon, for the defence of Stratford harbor, with round 
shot for each cannon. 

Gen. VVadsworth decUned marching with the 2,000 troops to Peeks- 
kill ; and orders were sent to Gen. E. Wolcott, to march in his stead. 

David Webb, of Stamford, a commissary, was directed to purchase 
what shoes, stockings, felt hats, and homemade cloth, linen and woolen, 
rum, cheese, and spirits he could, in Fairfield county, and send his 
account to the Governor. 

Joseph Hait, Jr. and jBenjamia Hoit, confined in Fairfield gaol as 
tories, were ordered to be released, by letter to SheriflTBurr, on pay- 
ment of cost. 

The pay table were directed to adjust the accounts of bounty, wages, 
billeting, mileage, and rations of Col. Ely's regiment, and Capt. San. 
ford Kingsbury's company, of Col. Enos' regiment, (then) lately in 
service at Providence, in Rhode Island, and draw on the Treasurer for 
the balances. 

In Session, March 26. 

Roger Fanning, who had the care of the row galley Shark, in the 
Hudson river, from the 29th of October, 1776, to the 18tli of Decem- 
ber, as master ; and as keeper, from the 18th of December, 1776, to 
the 15th February, 1777, was allowed JE22 : 11 : 1, for rations, &c. 

Jonathan Fitch, commissary, was directed to purchase all the shoes, 
stockings, felt hats homemade cloth, linen or woolen, rum, cheese, and 
spirits he could, in the county of New Haven, and send his account of 
all such pui'chases to the Governor, &;c. 

John Tilton, of the Vineyard, was permitted to purchase 1,000 
pounds of flax, and 200 pounds of flour, and carry it out of the State, 
as he had brought for Col. Fitch 300 pair of stockings. 

Nathaniel Wales, Esq., was allowed £118, for paying teams from 
Windham to transport nine cannon to Canaan, on their way to Albany, 
for Col. Stewart. 

Capt. Nathan Palmer seized 11,618 pounds of cheese, per order of 
the Governor and Council, the property of Church & Hakes, at 6d. per 
pound, with H per cent, commissions, being £294 : 16:6, cheese sent 
to Norwich ; also for services about the fort at Stonington, £15:7:6. 

In Session, April 2. 
An order for 400 pounds of powder, on Elderkiu & Wales, for Say- 
brook, was delivered to Charles Pomeroy. 

Letters from Mr. Hosmer and Col. Sage, enquiring whether the 



430 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777, 

miners and Long Islaq^ptefugees were subject to drafts. The Gov- 
ernor and Council decided in the negative. 

Col. Mosely moved to be excused from going to Peekskill — was not 
excused. 

Absalom Russell was appointed surgeon in Col. C. Webb's regi- 
ment ; Peter Robertson was appointed 2d lieutenant in Capt. Hinkley's 
company, in Col. C. Webb's regiment. 

Col. Waters, engineer at New London, gave a full account of the 
state of affairs at New London. 

In Session, April 3. 

Maj. John Riplej^, commander of the Connecticut militia, (then) 
lately at Providence, and was appointed to take the charge of the five 
companies more lately sent there, as major. 

Liberty was given to Thomas Allen, to return from Windham to 
New London. 

Hezekiah Tracy, Jr., was appointed 2d lieutenant in Col. Hunting, 
ton's regiment, in place of Joshua Tracy, deceased, of small pox. 

Albigence Waldo was appointed surgeon in Col. J. Huntington's 
regiment. 

Thomas Gray was appointed surgeon's mate in Col. Durkee's 
regiment. 

Thirty-six shillings was allowed Col. Huntington for a curious gun 
lock, which the Governor gave to an Indian warrior, of Onieda. 

Allowed Col. Elderkin 823 for a finished gun, presented by the Gov- 
ernor to the Avarrior Indians, by Mr. Kirtland. 

John Shipman. Esq., represented the conduct of Mr. Hayden sus- 
picious. Capt's. Huntington, Backus, and Jabez Perkins, of Norwich, 
were appointed to adjust the accounts of Hayden & WiUiams for ser- 
vices, &;c., in building the Oliver Cromwell. 

John Shipman was appointed lieutenant and commandant of the fort 
at Saybrook, in place of Lee Lay, resigned. 

The Council approved of the Governor's sending j£l,000 of the con- 
tinental dollars, to Gen. Spencer. 

£800 continental money was ordered to be paid to Andrew Hunting- 
ton, by David Trumbull, to purchase clothing for the army. 

John Murray, Jr., was permitted to purchase a horse and some 
sugars in this State, for £200, and transport it to Long Island, for a 
quantity of linen, checks, and flax, he brought from said island. 

Josiah Waters, Jr., as engineer, was allowed £180 : 13:2 at New 
London. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 431 

James Whelpley was appointed quarter master of Col. Bradley's 
regiment. 

An order was given on Dr. Elderkin, for 100 pair of shoes and 100 
pair of stockings, for Col. Durkee's regiment. 

Ten Eyke was appointed adjutant of Col. C. Webb's regiment. 

In Session, April 4. 
Nathaniel Chipman was appointed 2d lieutenant, in Capt. David 
Parson's company, in place of Timothy White. Charles Stewart, 
ensign, in Capt. Mills' company. David Barber, ensign, in Capt. 
Manning's company, in Col. Webb's regiment. 

Capt. Jabez Perkins, of Norwich, was directed to receive 300 bush- 
els of salt, (property of the State,) at Norwich Landing, to sell to the 
inhabitants of this State, not exceeding a half bushel to any family, 
and in such less proportion as he judged reasonable, at the lawful 
price, and make his report of sales to the Governor. And on the 
arrival of any other salt, at said Norwich, (the property of the State,) 
he was directed to receive it into his store, and dispose of it as the 
Governor and Council should direct. 

Joshua Elderkin was ordered to deliver N. Durkee, Jr., quarter 
master of Swift's regiment, 223 pair of shoes, and as many pairs of 
stockings ; the same of lelt hats, and 223 pair of breeches, for the use 
of said regiment. 

Col. Fitch was directed to deliver to James Whelpley, quarter mas- 
ter of Col. Bradley's regiment, 171 felt hats, 171 pairs of men's shoes, 
and 171 pairs of stockings for said regiment. Also, James Gray was 
directed to deliver said Whelpley 124 pairs of breecjies, for said regi- 
ment, and 12 shirts for the officers of said battalion. 

Dr. Joseph Perkins was allowed £5, for amputating instruments, 
delivered on board the brig Defence. 

£1 : 4 : 9 was allowed for medicine supplied Capt. Lyon's company, 
when sick at Norwich. 

Elderkin & Wales Avere directed to apply to the Hon. James Bow- 
doin and Council of Massachusetts, to borrow one ton of sulphur, for 
their powder mill at Windham. 

Ten sets of the horse harness, at New Haven, were ordered to be 
brought to New London, and delivered to N. Shaw, Jr. 

Capt. Elijah Backus was ordered to make another cannon, like the 
one he had made for the public. 

Congress ordered raised in the United States, three regiments of 
artillery men, for continental service, to consist of 2,200 men, w'hich 
made the proportion of this State 170 men, over and above the battal- 



432 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

ion of musketry, and d^m)portion of officers in this State. And Lieut. 
Col. Oswald of that d(>partment, in this State, applied for the same ad- 
ditional premium of £10, for each non-commissioned officer and soldier 
who should enlist in said service, as had been granted by the General 
Assembly and by the Governor and Council, to other regiments. The 
Governor and Council considered it necessary to raise said artillery 
men, and voted to allow the premium aforesaid ; , and the pay table 
were directed to pay Col. E. Oswald the said sum, and taking security 
for a faithful application of it. 

Col. Elderkin was desired to enquire at Boston, 6ic., for the best 
model for cannon of 1 8 pounds or less, and the best method of boring 
them. 

In Session, April 9. 

Roger Alden was appointed adjutant, in Col. Bradley's regiment. 

Much time was spent in considering how to fill the army. 

An order on Doolittle & Co. for 400 pounds of powder was given, 
to be delivered to Gen. Silliman, for the armed vessels then fitting out 
by him. 

Three dozen shirts for the oflicers of Col. Webb's regiment,- were 
ordered to be delivered by Doct. Gray, to Qr. Master John Elderkin. 

A. Huntington was ordered to deliver A. Wheatly, quarter master 
of Durkee's regiment, all the hats and knapsacks that were wanted for 
said regiment. 

In Session, April 10. 

Elihu Crane's account was referred to the pay table, for carrying a 
load of flints from Durham to Peekskill, when his team tired in the 
deep snow. 

An order of £4,000 was drawn on the pay table, for Capt. Deshon 
to import salt, and other necessaries for the State. 

Capt. J. Perkins was desired to deliver a barrel of molasses to the 
civil authority, dec. of Groton, for the continental soldiers under inocu- 
lation for small pox there. 

Maj. Nathan Gallup was appointed, instead of Luke Perkins, Esq., 
deceased, to assist to appraise the damage to J. Chester, of Groton, for 
building forts on his land at Groton. 

. Jacob Fox was appointed 2d lieutenant in Capt. John Shumway's 
. company, in place of Joel Gillet, resigned. 

Samuel Gray, Esq., was ordered to deliver to Elias Mather, quarter 
master in Col. William Douglass' regiment, 130 vests, 124 pairs of 
breeches, and 3 dozen officers' shirts for said regiment. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 433 

Doct. S. Gray was directed to deliver Maj. E. Gray and Capt. 
Nathaniel Webb each, four shirts. 

In Session, April 11. 

Capt. Abner Bacon was appointed captain in Col. Durkee's regi- 
ment, in the place of Capt. Nathaniel Peters, resigned. 

Seth Harding, Esq., M^as appointed captain and commander of the 
ship Oliver Cromwell, during the will of the General Assembly. 

Timothy Parker was appointed 1st lieutenant of the Oliver Crom- 
well ; John Chapman was appointed 2d lieutenant of said ship ; John 
Smith, of East Hartford, was appointed 3d heutenant of said ship ; 
Capt. Eliphalet Roberts was appointed captain of marines of said ship ; 
John Prentice, 2d, was appointed 1st lieutenant of marines of said ship ; 
Bela Elderkin was appointed 2d lieutenant of marines of said ship ; 
Capt. Josiah Burnham was appointed master of said ship during the 
pleasure of the Governor and Council. Capt. William Coit was con- 
sidered discharged on the 14th day of April, 1777. Enlisting orders 
were given to Capt. Harding, to enlist men for a new cruise of the 
Oliver Cromwell, to serve until the 14th -of October, 1777, unless 
sooner discharged. 

In Skssion, April 12. 
Silas Blodget was appointed 1st heutenant in Capt. Walbridge's 
company, in Col. Webb's regiment, in place of John Waterbury, 4th, 
who was removed into Capt. Hoit's company, in Col. Bradley's 
regiment. 

The Governor and Council sent a letter to Gen. Silliman, instructing 
him to keep the utmost vigilance over the enemy, who were supposed 
to be collecting in New York, in order to go up the North river, to 
destroy the magazines at Danbury, and other places in that quarter, and 
to raise his brigade for defence, if he thought proper ; to give the earliest 
intelligence to the Governor and Council, of every alarming appear- 
ance of danger in his department. 

Isaac Hilliard had a permit to carry to Massachusetts, 3,800 pounds 
of flax, for the inhabitants there. The permit was directed to be en- 
dorsed to prevent fraud. 

Col. Lattimer, of the 3d regiment, was directed immediately to draft 
and march 200 men of his regiment, to take post at New London, to 
take the places of the military companies then there ; to serve not ex- 
ceeding one month, and under such officers of his regiment as he 
should assign, with himself the chief in command. 

The great difficulty that had constantly existed in raising troops, and 
the frequent calls for new recruits, became perfectly vexatious, and 



434 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

every method that coulfflse devised to encourage men to enHst was 
resorted to, to fill up the continental army. A proclamation by the 
Governor and Council, for the purpose of hastening the raising of the 
army, was given as follows : 

" Whereas notwithstanding the encouragement given by the Conti- 
nental Congress, and by the General Assembly of this State, and the 
generous exertions of the towns, and of individuals in the State, in con- 
sequence of acts of said Assembly and the Governor and Council, to 
raise and furnish our quota of the continental army, for the great and 
unspeakably important purposes of defending all our property, our 
lives, and all the privileges which render life desirable and secures any 
of its blessings to posterity. The quota or proportion of the army is 
not yet completed in Connecticut, and the time swiftly approaches and 
is almost arrived, when, without more vigorous and succsssful efforts, 
all is lost ; there is, therefore, no more time to spare ; while the great 
laws of reason, virtue, and self-preservation call aloud for universal 
attention to this great object, of far greater importance than any other 
temporal concern. It is^^ therefore, 07ice more most pressingly and 
earnestly recommended to all whom it may concern, to use every in- 
fluence and exertion, immediately to fill up the quota of the respective 
towns, and forthwith to engage in this so greatly important and neces- 
sary service, which cannot be longer neglected, without the most immi- 
nent hazard of ruin and destruction to this State and continent ; and 
unless said army be immediately filled, constant rotfitions of the militia 
and husbandmen must be called off, which would afford the dismal, 
certain prospect of being devoured by famine. It is then in every 
view the duty and interest of all, to exert themselves to promote and 
encourage this great and good work, and of a sufficient number of able 
and effective men forthwith to undertake for defence of their countiy, 
and on the reasonable and generous rewards and encouragements offered 
them. And they have great reason to rely upon the protection and 
blessing of God Almighty, and to put their trust in him for success in 
this our righteous cause, though for our manifold sins He is pleased to 
suffer us to labor under so many delays and difficulties. But the voice 
and tokens of his Providence now seem clearly to point out, that longer 
delay would be fatal and destructive to ourselves and all succeeding 
generations ; and as some are absolutely necessary at home, for many 
great purposes, as well as to afford necessarie's for the subsistence of 
those abroad ; it is high time, and highly necessary that each should 
take their several stations ; and that every exertion to which God has 
enabled us, should be made, as we would do our duty to Him, and save 
ourselves and country, and avoid the keenest remorse and anguish for 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 435 

having neglected any means in our power to preserve, and transmit to 
our children the most precious privileges that ever any people were 
blessed with." 

Therefore, as a reasonable, just, and necessary measure, in the then 
situation of the public affairs, the Governor and Council recommended 
and ordered, that the commissioned officers of every company in each 
town in the State, and field officers who resided therein, should within 
one day after the receipt of the order, meet together, and find the 
number wanting in each town, to complete their quota of said army ; 
and when so found, the commissioned and field officers in such towns, 
should forthwith class all the men of each company, within said town, 
into as many equal numbers or classes as there were deficiencies in 
said towns ; in so classing were included all persons formed by law 
into alarm companies, and use their best discretion ; and such classes 
were ordered enrolled and convened by the chief officer thereof, and 
by said officer called upon, and earnestly invited to freely enlist into 
said army, and be notified of such classing and divisions, and each of 
such divisions called upon to turn out, furnish or e7ilist one able bodied 
man into some company of the eight battalions. And in case any such 
divisions should fail at the end of three days, to enlist or procure a 
man so to enlist, and give the captain of the company to which he did 
belong, notice thereof. It was made the duty of such captain, with 
the advice of his subalterns, without further orders, to draft one able 
bodied man from each of said divisions, and join them to the nearest 
company in any of said eight battalions, where needed, and furnished 
as the enlisted soldiers, and mafch with them in the same service ; and 
held in said service until the 1st day of January, 1778, unless sooner 
discharged ; to which discharge they were to be entitled by lot, as fast 
as their places could be filled by enlistment into said army, from the 
town to which he belonged, or by procuring a fit substitute, with the 
same wages, &c. as the continental soldiers. The detaching officer 
was ordered to give the names of those detached, to the captain of 
the next continental company wanting men ; who was authorized to 
seize and take such detached person or persons, into said company, 
with a bounty of j£3, if said detached persons continued in said service 
for the term aforesaid, or in proportion for a shorter time, if he volun- 
tarily entered said service (before marching.) And if such detached 
persons refused to march, they Avere made liable to the penalty, as was 
provided in a law, passed December, 1776. 

In Session, April 15. 
£300 was paid Capt. Nathaniel Saltonstall m advance for his com- 
pany. 



436 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

The overseers of the^phace, at Salisbury, wore directed, after they 
had supplied what cannon and shot were ordered to the north, to send 
the remainder, as well those of Norton & Porter's, as of the State, to 
Hartford, New Haven, and Fairfield, in such proportions as the Gov- 
ernor should direct ; and to send all the pig iron to Hartford. 

In Session, April 17. 

It was voted, that the men of any town in the State, who had or 
should enlist into the continental train band, should be considered as 
part of the quota of men to be raised in such town for the continental 
service, not to include more than 170 in all. 

Mr. Whiting was allowed 15s. per day, at the furnace, as one of 
the managers, boarding himself, finding a horse to use about said fur- 
nace, and his own fire wood. 

Benjamin Henshaw was sent to estimate the cost of building a bridge 
over the Ousatonic river, in Salisbury, where wanted, for the use of the 
furnace, and make his report to the Governor and Council. 

An order on Isaac Doolittle & Co., for 625 pounds of powder, was 
given to the selectmen of Waterbury. 

An order of £8 : 14, was given John Alden, for carrying $20,000 
to Gen. Knox, per order of Gen. Washington. 

An order was given Daniel Strong, for £15: 16: 3, for carting a 
load of clothing to Skeensborough in August, 1776. 

Roger Alden was allowed £6 : 18 : 6, for supporting John Beedle 
and his party, on the 14th of November, 1776, in bringing tory con- 
victs from Stratford. 

James Mason, a tory prisoner from New York, was permitted to re- 
turn to Kingston, in that State. 

At a meeting of the Governor and Council, at Norwich, on their 
way to New London, April 21, 1777, they appointed Dr. Philip Tur- 
ner, director of the hospital and store of this State, in the continental 
army ; and then proceeded to New London, and put up with Mr. 
Shaw. 

* 
In Session, April 22. 

The Governor and Council examined the hills, &c. about fort Truni- 
bull and at Mamacock, and examined the works at the forts ; then 
went on board the Oliver Cromwell, and examined said ship ; then pro- 
ceeded to Groton fort, after which examinations, returned to New 
London. 

The Governor and Council wrote letters to Mr. Elliot, the agent, 
with respect to prizes in Massachusetts ; and to Capt. Smedley, res- 
pecting two prizes he had taken and sent to Boston and Dartmouth. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777.. 437 

Capt. Coit (then) late of the ship Oliver Cromwell, appeared before 
the Governor and Council, and complained of hard treatment in his 
dismission from said ship ; and asked for a committee to settle his and 
the officers of said ship's accounts ; and Capt. Deshon, Ebenezer Led. 
yard, Esq., and Capt. Joseph Hurlbut were appointed a committee to 
adjust said accounts against said ship ; the wages of officers, seamen, 
and marines. And Mr. Nathaniel Shaw, as agent, was directed to 
attend for the State, to said examination, and act for the State. 

Eight additional field pieces, furnished with carriages, were ordered 
as soon as might be, at or near the fort at New London. 

Col. Lattimer, commander of 200 men, ordered for defence at New 
London, was instructed, with the advice of Col. Waters, engineer, to 
employ such of said men as were skilful, as might be profitably used in 
blasting rocks at fort Trumbull, and a suitable number as guards at 
the fort, and the remainder in carrying on the works at Gi'oton fort. 

David Bushnell with Col. Huntington, appeared before the Governor 
and Council and exhibited a specimen of a new invention for annoying 
ships, &c., (torpedo) ; the Governor and Council gave him an order 
on officers, agents, and commissaries to afford him assistance of men, 
boats, powder, lead, &c., as he might want, delivered him without stint. 

Adam Babcock was allowed to purchase of Col. Porter, ten 4 pound 
cannon, and six swivels, with shot for them. 

In Session, April 25. 

A letter was received with the information that Capt. Smedley had 

taken another prize, called the Grog, which had arrived at Plymouth. 

Letters were written to Capt. Smedley, by Mr. Shaw, (who was going 

there,) and to Watson & Spooner, regarding the three prizes (then) 



JVotes on Prizes, 

Samuel Elliot, Jr., in account with the prize brig Med way, Boston, November 
16, 1778— £3,959 : 9 : 9. Boston, October 7, 1778. The prize brig Medway, 
taken by the ship Oliver Cromwell, sold by William Greenleal" for j£3,501 : 13. 
May, 1777. Proceeds of the prize brig Grog, so far as was then accounted for 
£3,343 : 18 : 4 ; which was afterwards corrected, and amounted to £3,298 : 1 : 8, 
taken by Capt. Smedley. 

Mr. S. Elliot's account of the sales of the prize ships Admiral Kepple and 
Cyrus, taken by Capt. Smedley. Account rendered in 1778, by said Elliot, 
£81,235:14:5. 

Net amount of the sale of the prize Snow Swift and her cargo, captured by 
Capt. Smedley in the brig Defence, and account rendered, June 3d, by William 
Greenleaf, being ^5,644 : 9 ; total, £5,717 ; 16 : 6. Mr. Elliot's account of the 
Snow Swift being £5,903 : 5 : 6. 

Sale of the prize brig Anna and her cargo, for the State of Connecticut, taken 
56 



438 .REVOLUTIOiNARY WAR, 1777. 

lately sent in by Capti^Rnedlcy, &;c. ; and appointed said Samuel 
Smedley, captain of the armed brig Defence, and so informed him. 

Letters were received from Gen. Gates, with the information that 
Gen. Gates had been appointed commander at the northward ; and 
most earnestly requesting that the eastern troops should be forwarded ; 
with copies of many letters, shewing the danger they were in. Also 
requesting Gov. Trumbull to write to Massachusetts and New Hamp- 
shire, sivinff all the information in said letters to those States. 

In Session, April 26. 

Mr. Henshaw applied by letter for a guard about the furnace. A 
guard of four men was allowed each night, two at a time, of such men 
as he could trust, to be paid, and under the direction of Ihe overseers. 

Letters were sent to Boston and New Hampshire, pressing them to 
hasten their troops, as had been desired by Gen. Gates. 

Letters were sent (by Mr. Alden, prize master,) to Mr. Elliot, agent 
in Massachusetts, concerning the prizes of Capt. Smedley, and partic- 
ularly the last at Plymouth. Also to Watson & Spooner, at Plymouth, 
who had taken care of said prizes. 

An order for 16 shirts was given for Capt. Andrew Fitch, Samuel 
Gray, John White, and Capt. Vine Elderkin. 

In Session, April 27. 
The Governor and Council had received on the evening of the 26th 
of April, by express, the alarming news from the west, of troops land- 
ing at Fairfield, and others going up the North river ; and on the 27th 
a further account from Col. Huntington, at Dunbury, that 18 ships, 
with troops of the enemy, were then going up the North river near 
Peekskill. At evening on the 27th, news arrived that Danbury was on 
fire, and all the stores were taken by the British troops. The Governor 

by Capt. Smedley ; the account rendered June 3d, 1777, by William" Greenleaf, 
£2,635 : 9 : 7. By Mr. Elliot, £2,663 : 17 : 1. 

Sale of the prize barque Lydia and her cargo, rendered by S. Elliot, Jr., in 
December, 1777, £6,61Q : 13 : 1, taken by Capt. Smedley in the brig Defence, of 
which William Greenleaf sold at Bedford, £2,829 : 10. 

The prize brig Honor and her cargo, was sold for £10,692 : 2 : 4, as accounted 
by Samuel Elliot, Jr., agent for the State of Connecticut, 1777. 

The amount of the sale of the prize ship Cyrus, (taken by the Oliver Crom- 
well and Defence,) as rendered by William Greenleaf, was £22,561 : 14 : 4. 

The sum of £1,9C1 : 2 :5 was expended to fit out the brig Defence the first 
cruise, and until she was fitted out for the second. The sum of £1,852 : 8 : 1 
for the second cruise. The sum of £3,254 : 1 : 4 was paid for the the third out- 
fit of the brig Defence, including the wages of seamen, &c. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 439 

and Council concluded that Gen. Huntington should go on westward, 
with full power to order as many militia as he should deem necessary, 
and hasten the continental troops. 

In Session, April 28. 

William Starr, of Goshen, was appointed ensign in Capt. Chapman's 
company, in Col. Swift's regiment, in the place of David Rusco, 
resigned. 

Thomas Starr, 3d, was appointed ensign in Capt. Woodbridge's 
company, in Col. Swift's regiment, in place of Adino Hale. 

Philemon Hall, of Guilford, was appointed ensign in Capt. Hall's 
company, in Swift's regiment, instead of Dan Collins. 

Samuel Gray was ordered to deliver Lieut. Col. Josiah Starr, all 
articles of clothing wanted for Col. Swift's regiment. 

$40,000 was ordered to be loaned to the continental pay master for 
the northern department, by this State. 

Samuel Gray was ordered to deliver Lieut. Col. Meigs one dozen 
officers' shirts and 50 soldiers' shirts, for his regiment. 

An order was drawn on Elderkin & Wales for 64 pounds of pow- 
der, for Capt. James Chamberlain's company of horse, in the 4th regi- 
ment of horse. 

The town of Tolland had an order for 250 pounds of powder. 

The town of Coventry had an order for 300 pounds of pow^der. 

Bolton had an order on Elderkin & Wales for 150 pounds of powder. 

Rev. Ichabod Lewis was appointed chaplain of Col. Bradley's regi- 
ment, instead of Isaac Lewis. 

Job Smith was appointed pay master in Col. Bradley's regiment, 
instead of Hezekiah Rogers. Elijah Chapman was promoted to 1st 
lieutenant in Capt. Childs' company, in said regiment, instead of 
George Griswold, resigned. Edward Palmer was appointed 2d lieu- 
tenant, under Capt. Childs, and Benjamin Converse, ensign, and Gor- 
ham, ensign in said company. John Hubbard was appointed ensign 
in Capt. Lacy's company, in said regiment. Othniel Clark Avas ap- 
pointed ensign in Capt. Prior's company in said regiment. Daniel 
Bradley, ensign in Capt. Hart's company, in place of Cotton Mather, 
resigned. Cornelius Higgins was appointed 2d lieutenant in Capt. 
Catlin's company, in said regiment ; and Elias Child, ensign in the 
same company ; and William Henshaw, ensign in Capt. Wright's com- 
pany, same regiment. 

In Session, April 29. 
An order was given to furnish Greenwich with four 3 or 4 pound 



440 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

cannon, and shot in f4BPortion, from Salisbury, in addition to what 
they had received. 

Andrew Huntington was directed to mount two cannon made by 
Ehjah Backus, Esq., on proper, plain field carriages. 

Ebenezer Ledyard, Esq., of Groton, was directed to find what field 
carriages were at New London and Groton suitable for field cannon, 
not mounted ; and to mount six field pieces then on hand, for use at 
New London and Groton. 

Orders were given to the colonels of the eastern regiments, viz. : 
the 3d, 8th, 20th and 2Ist regiments, that as the operations of the 
enemy, and their descent upon the western parts of the State, opened 
an alarming prospect of their designs to lay waste the New England 
States, and had already aroused to action a great portion of the militia, 
west of Connecticut river, to oppose the British in that quarter ; it was 
considered not improbable that the enemy might suddenly change the 
place of their operations from the western to the eastern parts of the 
State, or the neighboring States, which was considered a reason why 
all should be in immediate preparation to exert themselves on the 
most sudden alarm. Therefore the said colonels were ordered to give 
notice to the captains within said regiments, to see their companies 
immediately furnished, and made ready to march to any place attacked 
by the enemy, on the shortest notice ; and each town to collect all 
military stores in some place that would be necessary on such an 
event or occasion. 

In Session, April 30. 

Mr. Brown, at this date, returned as an express from Congress, and 
brought a confirmation of the destruction of the stores at Danbury ; 
and that many houses, &c., had been burnt, and that the enemy were 
retiring back. Soon after another express from Gen. Silliman, with a 
letter arrived, which contained the sad news that Gen. Wooster w^as 
mortally wounded ; Doct. Atwater, Col. Gould, and others were killed ; 
and that the enemy had returned on board their ships, after some 
skirmishes, and several killed on both sides. 

An order from Congress was received, to confine Gov. Franklin, 
without pen, ink, or paper ; and directed him to be conveyed, under 
guard, by the sheriff of Hartford county, forthwith to Litchfield gaol. 

Titus Hosmer, Esq., was directed to deliver to the selectmen of 
Lebanon, 1 ,000 pounds of flax, in hands, the property of the State, 
sent from Fairfield county. 

In Session, May 4. 
Capt. Joshua Huntington, of Norwich, was directed to deliver 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 441 

100 barrels of continental powder, to Ebenezer Devotion ; 100 barrels 
to Capt. J. Ripley, of Coventry ; and 100 barrels to David Trumbull, 
of Lebanon, and provide teams to transport it, and by them to be care- 
fully kept until further orders. 

Capt. Jabez Perkins was directed to sell the salt in his hands, to the 
inhabitants of the State, not exceeding one bushel to any one man. 

Orders were given to remove 30 hogsheads of molasses, owned by 
the State, at Norwich, to the West Farms, Potapaugue, and New Con- 
cord, to be deposited there for safety, in the care of Capt. J. Perkins, 
(who was to remove it.) Capt. Perkins was directed to deliver 40 
hogsheads of molasses, to Andrew Huntington, to be distilled for pub- 
lie use. 

Gen. Huntington was directed to deliver 1,000 pounds of State 
powder, to the selectmen of Norwich. 

Capt. E. Bill was ordered to deliver to E. Devotion, Esq., of Wind- 
ham, 10 hogsheads of sugar, and 14 hogsheads of rum, to be stored ; 
and to deliver Capt. Ripley, of Coventry, 10 hogsheads of sugar, and 
15 hogsheads of rum ; and the same of each to David Trumbull, for 
safe keeping. 

The colonels and commanding officers of the 5th, 8th, 11th, 12th, 
21st, 22d and 25th regiments of militia had orders to draft one-fourth 
part of their said regiments of militia and alarm list, under proper 
officers, to man the forts at New London and Grot on, until relieved by 
the continental army. 

The commanding officers of the continental regiments in this State, 
were ordered to apply to any civil authority in the State, who were 
obUged to furnish enlisted soldiers with blankets, who were empowered 
to grant warrants to proper persons to impress blankets for the use of 
said soldiers, in their towns where said soldiers belonged, (ap- 
praised, &;c.) 

Brig. Gen. VVadsworth was directed to order one-fourth part of his 
brigade, properly officered, to march to New Haven, for defence of 
the coast there ; and to appoint the officers himself. 

Brig. Gen. Silliman was directed to order one-fourth part of his 
brigade to the sea coast, in Fairfield county, under proper officers, by 
him appointed, for defence of the coast. 

Col. Elderkin was directed to procure 6 men and 12 horses, and to 
go to Portsmouth, and apply to John Langdon, Esq., for six continental 
brass field pieces irf his hands, with the carriages and apparatus, and 
bring them to this State, as soon as might be, for our defence. 

The Governor gave an order on the New Haven powder mill, to 
deliver the selectmen of Stamford 600 pounds of powder. 



442 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

^^N Session, May 12. 

Mr. Shaw was directed to order Capt. Niles to land the provisions 
on board the Spy, with Deshon and Ledyard as comraissaries ; and to 
give orders to Capt. Niles what goods to bring from Bedford, on her 
next voyage to that place. 

Orders were given to the commanding officers of the forts at New 
London and Groton, to order the troops drafted from northern com- 
panies in Stonington, to march directly to the forts at Stonington, to 
man that place for defence ; and those drafted from southern companies 
in said town, to return home, and hold themselves in readiness to serve 
on the shortest notice, for the defence of those forts. 

Capt. Palmer was directed to remove the public stores at Stoning, 
ton, back in the country to a place of safety. 

Andrew Huntington was directed to cause the two guns on ship car- 
riages, at Norwich Landing, to be immediately mounted on field 
carriages. 

Asahel Clark was appointed ensign in Capt. Collins' company, in 
Col. Bradley's regiment. 

Doct. David Howe was appointed surgeon's mate in Col. Chandler's 
regiment, in continental service. 

In Session, May 14. 
Doolittle & Co. were ordered to deliver to the town of Durham, 200 
pounds of powder. 

In Session, (at Hartford) May 16. 

Bayze Wells was appointed 1st lieutenant in Capt. Kimball's com- 
pany, in place of Nathan Parsons, resigned in Col. Chandler's regiment ; 
Lemuel Hitchcock was appointed 2d lieutenant in the same company. 

Theodore Wadsworth was appointed surgeon's mate in Col. Doug- 
lass' regiment, in place of Doct. Todd, resigned, (continental service.) 

Elijah Hubbard was appointed commissary and superintendent of 
the stores provided by the State for continental troops. 

In Session, May 19. 
Orders were given to Capt. R. Niles, of the schooner Spy, to put 
the Spy in a condition for a cruise, and to enlist a crew to serve not 
longer than the 1st of January, 1778— £300 was voted him for pub- 
lie use. 

In Session, May 22. 
The overseers of the furnace at Salisbury, were ordered to advance 
for the State, £50 to aid the building a bridge over the Ousatonic 
river where needed, for the use of the furnace. Also to mount two 4 
or 6 pounders, on field carriages. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 443 

Chauncey Whittlesey, Esq. was ordered to procure a warrant, and 
seize the wheat in the hands of John Birdsey & Sons, in Middletown, 
for the use of this State, leaving them sufficient for their own use ; and 
cause the same to be floured as soon as possible, and deliver 50 bush- 
els to the selectmen of Saybrook, for the troops in the fort there, and 
pay said Birdsey & Sons the lawful price. 

Benjamin Henshaw was directed to borrow 100 bushels of salt of 
Capt. Wadsworth, for the furnace at Salisbury. 

Jabez Perkins was directed to send, for the use of the furnace, to 
Capt. B. Henshaw, 3 hogsheads of molasses, 2 hogsheads of New 
England rum, 1 hogshead of West India rum, and 1 hogshead of sugar. 

Mr. Whittlesey, of Middletown, was directed to supply Capt. Hen- 
shaw with what tow cloth and rags he should want for the furnace at 
Salisbury. 

In Session, May 23. 
Mr. Wales and B. Huntington were appointed to prepare instruc- 
tions for the commissaries of supplies in this State ; and the following, 
in substance, were the instructions to Elijah Hubbard, Esq, as com- 
missary of supplies and refreshments for the troops raised in this State 
for the continental army. He was directed, without delay, to purchase 
one good team or wagon with horses, to each regiment, and employ a 
trusty man for each, and load said teams with rum, sugar, molasses 
and clothing, owned by this State, in the hands of such men as he 
would be informed from time to time, and they directed to deliver to 
said Hubbard. Informing said Hubbard that at that time there Avas 
West India rum and sugar in the hands of Capt. Ephraim Bill ; salt in 
the hands of Capt. J. Perkins ; New England rum and clothing in the 
hands of Mr. A. Huntington, of Norwich ; clothing, rum, and sugar 
in the possession of Capt. J. Elderkin, of Windham ; clothing in the 
hands of Mr. C. Whittlesey, of Middletown, Col. J. Fitch, of New 
Haven, Capt. S. Squire, of Fairfield, D. Webb and D. Gray, of Stam- 
ford, and Mr. Abel Hine, of New Milford. He Avas directed to 
transport and secure such stores in the safest places he could procure, 
near the continental army ; with an assurance of persons appointed to 
take care of and oversee the stores about the camp ; and an issuing 
commissary was appointed for each regiment. He was also empow- 
ered to impress teams, boats, &c., as occasion might require, to trans- 
port any stores, and employ men to execute the design ; and in cases 
of danger to advise with the officers of the army, apply for guards, 
&c. ; to purchase all things needful ; to provide forage and provender 



444 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

for teams, cattle, an^plorses, as should be needful and convenient. 
The assistant and issuing commissaries to apply to said Hubbard for 
orders, under such directions as he should give for each soldier at each 
time, and how often. All articles to be delivered at the door of the 
tent or store, and the receiver to depart for others to be served ; and 
an exact account kept of what was delivered to each soldier, and sent 
to the pay master of each regiment, and deducted out of their wages 
when paid. If a regiment should be divided, the issuing commissary 
to supply them ; or in case the divisions are distant, to have a person 
specially assigned for that service, and keep an account, and send it 
to the commissary of the regiment. The said Hubbard was directed 
to keep an account of all expenses made by him, and of money re- 
ceived, and have the same in order for settlement. The troops at 
Peekskill were then in want, and he was ordered to render them the 
first assistance ; and to see that others were furnished with necessaries, 
as they should take the field. 

In Session, May 28. 

The schooner Mifflin, under the command oC Capt. Timothy White» 
with the officers and crew on board, were discharged from the service 
of this State. And Capt. White was directed to deliver said schooner, 
and the stores on board, owned by the country, to the agent for the 
State ; and such stores on board as belonged to the State were directed 
to be delivered to Gen. Silliman, or his order. 

Royal Flint, of Windham, was appointed an assistant commissary 
under Mr. Hubbard, with a captain's pay and rations, while in camp, 
and necessary expenses paid in lieu of rations when in service out of 
camp ; and necessary horses provided by the State. The pay and ra- 
tions of the issuing commissaries of supplies, &c., were £9 per month, 
and two rations per diem. 

James Jones, of Middletown, and David Breed, of Norwich, were 
appointed issuing commissaries of supplies, &c., for the troops from 
this State, in continental service. 

Capt. John Chenevard was allowed j£77 : 9 : 1, for one-half the 
expense of building the yard round the Hartford gaol. 

Liberty was given Capt. Smedley to consort with the privateer, own- 
ed by Thomas Mumford, Esq. and others, in a cruise, as said Smedley 
should please. 

The Governor sent Capt. Smedley's commission, dated 25th April, 
1777, to him at Bedford, and his saihng orders, and three blank corn- 
missions for him to fill for subaltern officers, (Leeds, one of his lieu- 
-^nants being, d^ad.) 



J^' 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 445 

In Session, May 30. 

Nathaniel Shaw, Jr. was permitted to purchase of Col. Porter, at 
Sahsbury, six cannou, and pay said Porter. 

Jabez Smith was appointed surgeon's mate, in Col. Philip Burr 
Bradley's regiment, in continental service. 

William Little, Jr., of Lebanon, James Davenport, of Stamford, 
and Ithamar Bingham, were appointed issuing commissaries of sup. 
plies, &;c. for the Connecicut troops in continental service. 

In Session, May 3L 

The account of Smith & Coit, for medicine delivered to Dr. Russel, 
for the army in the northern department, was referred to the pay table, 
for adjustment. 

The overseers of the cannon foundry were directed to sell to Daniel 
Tyler & Co. three 3 pound cannon, at the usual price. 

£1,500 was drawn in favor of E. Ledyard, commissary of the troops 
at Groton. 

Orders were given to Samuel Elliott, Jr., Esq., of Boston, agent 
for this State, to sell 100 barrels of beef and pork, and 40 fii-kins of 
butter, taken in the prize at Plymouth, (by the brig Defence,) to the 
inhabitants of Plymouth, at the lawful price in Massachusetts. 

One-half of the militia at the forts of New London and Groton, were 
ordered to be drawn off by lot, and dismissed ; and all the militia com. 
panics at Stonington dismissed ; and the officers at those posts were 
directed to execute the same. 

Wm. Seymour appointed lieutenant of the artillery company, in Nor. 
walk, and John Ben, lieutenant of the artillery company, at Stamford. 

In Session, June 1. 
Intelligence was received from Col. Burrall, of the 14th regiment of 
militia, that an attack was apprehended at Ticonderoga, and that 
troops were wanted for their assistance ; and the Governor and Coun- 
cil gave Col. Burrall the information that the copy of Gen. Poor's and 
Gen. Fellows' letters had been received with his ; and ordered Col. 
Burrall, first, to deduct the overseers, clerk, moulders, firemen, colliers, 
ore diggers, and such others as were necessarily employed at the can. 
non foundry, in Sahsbury ; and order the residue of the regiment under 
his command, to be in readiness when called, and to draft one-half of 
the same by rotation, according to law, with a suitable number of offi- 
cers ; to sec them armed, equipped, &c., M'ith ammunition, knapsacks, 
&c., and so much provision to carry with them as he should judge 
necessary ; to send (in the meantime) an express to get iotelligence* 
and when information should be received by said express, to judge for 
himself whether to march all or a part, as the urgency of the case 
should require. 

57 



446 RKVOUITIONARY WAR, 1777. 

^^ Skssion, June 2. 

An order was given to the commanding officers of the militia in 
service at New Haven, to draft 90 men for a company, including offi- 
cers, from those then in service in New Haven, and anoint the 
officers ; to remain in service there, until further orders, and to dismiss 
the remainder of the militia at that post. 

Abraham WoodhuU, of Long Island, who had been taken on board 
a vessel in the sound, by the Schuyler sloop-of-war, was permitted, on 
his parole, that he would neither do or say any thing against the United 
States, &,c., and return to Long Island, and return to Connecticut on 
request. 

Rufus B. Abel was appointed pay master of the regiment commanded 
by Col. Jedediah Huntington. 

In Session, Juoe 3. 

Col. Champion was ordered to deliver to the selectmen of Saybrook, 
8 barrels of beef, and 9 barrels of pork, for the use of the troops there. 

Capt. Ventris, commander of the troops at Saybrook, was directed 
to draw 50 men by lot, from the companies there, with a proportion of 
officers, and dismiss them ; and those not drawn were to remain, and 
be fornied into one company, until further orders. 

A representation was made by Messrs. Peter Vandervort and Rich- 
ardson. Sands, that Thomas Y. Jackson, of New York, taken on board 
an armed vessel on her way from New York to Rhode Island, by a 
privateer from Stonington, M'as desirous of going to Hartford, and take 
a part with the friends of the country ; that he had ever been esteemed 
a warm friend of this country, &;c. The Governor and Council per. 
mitted him to go to Hartford with said R. Sands. 

Orders were given to arrest W. Stewart, of New London, for being 
one of the owners of a vessel taken by the Schuyler, Capt. Hawley, 
going with provisions (to the enemy) to New York, that he should be 
examined touching the vessel and cargo. 

Orders were given to Capt. W. Ledyard, to procure what necessary 
artillery stores he could, such as shot, &c., if to be had at the furnace, 
at the eastward or elsewhere. 

Samuel Elliot, Jr., agent for the State, was ordered to deliver to 
Capt. Niles, of the Spy, two cannon at Dartmouth or Bedford, (the 
property of this State.) 

In Session, June 4. 
Capt. James Latham was directed to unlade the salt and other cargo, 
on board a vessel then arrived in Boston, and store the same at Boston, 
and unbend the sails and lay up the vessel until furthei orders. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 447 

The overseers of the furnace were directed to supply all persons 
who should apply lor salt pans, (without interfering with casting can- 
non,) observing the order of applications, that each should have his 
turn, to be sold at a reasonable price. 

Andrew Adams, John Canfield, and Lynd Lord, Esq'rs., were a 
committee to adjust the accounts (of the last blast) of the furnace, with 
Col. Porter. ' 

John Fitch, of Canterbury, Sylvester Bearing, of Middletown, and 
Nathan Preston, of Woodbury, were appointed issuing commissaries of 
supplies, &;c., to the continental troops in service. 

In Session, June 5. 

Col. Meigs sent a letter to the Governor, urging the necessity of 
pressing teams, and clothing for his men. The Governor was desired 
by the Council to write to the clothier general, at Boston, tor supphes 
of clothing. 

Stephen Betts was appointed captain of a company in Col. Webb's 
regiment, in the place of Nathaniel Goodwin, deceased. Seth Weed 
was appointed 1st lieutenant in said company. Silas Bingham, 2d 
lieutenant, same company, and Isaac Sheeler, ensign of said company. 

In Session, June 7. 

The balance due Eliphalet Roberts, the late captain of marines of the 
ship Oliver Cromwell, being Jt;i26 ;5 : 2 was paid to Mr. Coit, pay 
master of said ship. 

Isaac Swift was appointed surgeon's mate in Col. Swift's regimentV 

In Session, June 9. 

The managers of Sahsbury furnace were directed to cast for Moses 
Craft, four salt pans, the larger the better ; and take the pay at 50s. per 
hundred. 

David Lowry was exempted from all military duty while he should 
be employed in making gun locks. 

In Session, June 10. 

Benjamin Welles, of Stamford, was appointed an issuing commissary 
of supplies, &c., for the Connecticut troops in continental service. 

Jabez Huntington, Nathaniel Wales, Jr., and Benjamin Huntington, 
Esq'rs., were a committee to settle with Capt. Coit all his accounts 
relating to the Oliver Cromwell ; the officers and ship's crew, (except 
the pay and wages of said officers and crew, which had been referred 
to Capt. Deshon, &;c.) Also to settle the accounts of N. Shaw, Esq., 
against the State, for articles found said ship and crew, and for all his 



448 RF.VOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

demands agaitist the Stilton account of said ship, and his service in 
every respect. 

Three swivel guns, four dozen swivel shot, with a wormcr and 
ladle, at New London, were loaned to Col. Matthew Talcott. 

John Fragan, a sargcant in the .'iSth regiment, a prisoner of war at 
Hartford, was permitted to go to New York to procure clothing, &c., 
for the prisoners of war of sundry regiments, upon his parole, to say or 
do nothing to the prejudice of any of the United States, and to return 
Mithin 16 days. 

Timothy Kcyes was authorized to receive of the store keepers of 
salt, of this State, at Boston, 30 bushels of salt, for the town and county 
of Westmoreland, (at the price of £15, paid Benjamin Payne.) 

Ebenezer Heath, of Willington, certified Jcdediah Amidon chosen 
captain of the 10th company, 22d regiment of militia ; and Richard 
Pearl, lieutenant in said company, which was established by the Gov- 
ernor and Couvicil. 

In Session, June 11. 

Jesse Brown, of Norwich, post rider, w as permitted to purchase of 
James Church, of Hartford, 100 pounds of flax to make him some 
clothes, at lOd. per pound. 

The non-commissioned ofticers and soldiers raised and stationed on 
the sea coast, in this State, were permitted to enlist into the two battal- 
ions then raising. 

Edward Mulford was established an ensign in the 1 1th military com- 
pany, 2d regiment of militia. 

An order of £758 : 3 : 7 was drawn in favor of> Elderkin & Wales, 
of Windham, for powder. 

In Session, June 12. 

A commission was granted to Mr. Hilliard, of Hartford, who did the 
duty of captain in Col. S. Whiting's regiment, ordered raised in this 
State. 

The same pay and wages were granted to officers and soldiers in 
the companies of matross in service in this State, as was allowed by 
Congress to officers of equal rank, and privates in the companies of 
artillery in continental service. 

Moses Bull, of Hartford, was permitted, on his parole, to go to West- 
Chester, in the State of New York, to secure his effiicts there. 

The contract of Thomas Bidwell, to manufacture sulphur for the 
State, was extended for two years, after receiving the materials to 
work with ; and he was allowed for time, expenses, &.C., in hindrance, 
&c., £89:11. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 449 

The managers of the furnace at Salisbury, were directetl to cast for 
Mr. Thomas Bidwell, as many iron pots and receivers, for the manu- 
facture of sulphur, as he should direct. 

In Session, June 13. 

The authority, &c., of the town of Killingworth, stated that John 
Wilcox and James Ward, of that town, who were sent to Willingtoii 
as enemies to the country, manifested a more friendly feeling, &;c. 
They were permitted, on taking the oath of fidelity, to be released from 
their confinement, to return home, and remain under the direction of 
the civil authority and selectmen, &,c., of said town. 

Commissaries Hubbard and Flint were ordered to purchase 100 
tons of flour for their use and at the expense of the State, and cause as 
much as in their power to be transported to Hartford and other places, 
as should be directed, by the returning teams employed in transporting 
refreshments, &c., to the continental army. 

The selectmen of Milford were allowed for services about the fort 
there, £6:7:6. 

William Witter, of Hackensack, iu New Jersey, stated to the Gov- 
ernor and Council, that while he was after a doctor for his sick wife, 
he Avas taken by the adherents of the King of Great Britain, and com- 
pelled to stand upon guard, where he was retaken by our troops and 
brought to Wethersfield, and held as a prisoner of war, and in poor 
health, and asked to be discharged ; which was granted, and said 
Witter discharged. 

The commissaries appointed to purchase refreshments in the several 
counties, reported, that they could not purchase any West India goods 
for the use of the troops in their respective counties ; and the Board 
having been informed that there were large quantities of West India 
goods in the hands of several persons in the counties of Hartford, New 
Haven, New London, and Windham, desired the Governor to issue 
warrants to the sheriffs, &c., in said counties, to impress and take from 
such persons in said counties, in whose hands the same should be 
found, and deliver the same to Elijah Hubbard, commissary ; and make 
return of the articles, with the prices limited by law, viz. : 

In Hartford county. 
New Haven county. 
New London county, 
Windham county, 

Adam Babcock was directed to receive at Bedford, in Massachusetts, 



rum. 


sugar. 


molasses. 


coffee. 


10 hhds. 


20 hhds. 


40 hhds. 


7,000 lbs. 


4 « 


10 " 


20 « 


3,000 « 


6 " 


10 " 


20 « 


5,000 « 


6 " 






10,000 « 



450 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

50 barrels of pork ant^Jpief, property of this State, for the ship Fanny, 
in return for articles furnished several privateers, of this State. 

George Folliot, of Ridgfield, who was committed to the gaol in 
Hartford, as a tory, was liberated from said prison, by paying all costs, 
and taking the oath of fidelity. 

The commissaries appointed in the several counties to purchase re- 
freshments for the troops from Connecticut, were directed to purchase 
for said troops, in their counties, as large quantities in their power as 
they could find of New England and West India rum, muscovado 
sugar, molasses, coffee, chocolate, cheese, tobacco, woolen cloths for 
vests and breeches, linen shirting, tow cloth, shoes, stockings, yarn and 
linen, felt hats, one pipe of wine, Madeira, Lisbon, or Caiiara. 

In Session, June 20. 
' £1,500 was paid Andrew Huntington, for the purchase of clothing* 
and mounting cannon. 

In Session, June 21. 
Mary Codwise, of New York, had restored to her seven hogsheads 
of sugar, impressed by Ezekiel Williams, sheriff" of Hartford county. 

In Session, June 23. 

Jabez Clark, of Lebanon, w^as appointed issuing commissary to the 
regiment raised in this State for the continental service for three years, 
or during the war. 

The Governor was requested by the Council to sign an order to 
Samuel Elliot, agent, to deliver Capt. W. Hubbard 20 barrels of beef 
and pork, in exchange for an equal quantity of pork and beef, to be 
delivered by Capt. Hubbard, at Norwich, for this State. 

The overseers of Salisbury furnace were ordered to deliver to the 
selectmen of Norwalk, Stamford, and Greenwich, each, 100 round 
shot, to suit their field pieces, and grape shot in proportion. 

Ichabod Bosworth, of Lebanon, was appointed 1st lieutenant in Col. 
J. Ely's regiment, in place of E. West, resigned. 

Ebenezer West, of Lebenon, was appointed adjutant of Col. Ely's 
regiment. 

In Session, June 24. 

An order was drawn on C. Whittlesey, in favor of Aaron Comstock, 
quarter master of Col. Chandler's regiment, for 100 flannel shirts for 
said regiment. 

David Holmes, of Woodstock, was appointed surgeon in Col. Chand- 
ler's regiment. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 451 

In Session, June 25. 
George Phillips & Co. were permitted to transport out of this State, 
1,000 bushels of rye and corn, to the port of Bedford, in Massachu. 
setts, to purchase salt for the inhabitants of this State. 

In Session, June 26. 

The Council of Safety of the State of New York applied to this 
Board, for Dr. Piatt Townsend, and the inhabitants of the State of 
New York, to erect works in this State for manufacturing salt, to be 
transported out of this State ; which was granted, on condition no State 
premium should be paid on their salt so manufactured in Connecticut, 
by this State. 

Ralph Isaacs, upon his request, was permitted to leave Wallingford, 
and reside on his farm at Branford, under the direction of the civil 
authority, &c., of said Branford, and under the same restrictions as 
were given him at Eastbury. 

John Mulford, Esq., of Long Island, a resident in Stonington, sta- 
ted to the Governor and Council, that he was infirm, and had no means 
of support in this State ; that he owned an estate on Long Island, and 
desired to return with his family to said island. The Governor and 
Council gave liberty to said Mulford and his wife to return to the isl- 
and, and to take with them one horse and one cow. 

The overseers of the furnace at Salisbury, were ordered to deliver 
100 round 4 pound shot, with grape shot in proportion, to the select- 
men of Guilford. 

The owners of the powder mill at New Haven, were ordered to de- 
liver the selectmen of Guilford, 150 pounds of cannon powder. Gen. 
Ward received it. 

John Cornwell, of New Haven, was permitted to transport from 
Connecticut to Bedford, &c., in Massachusetts, 7 barrels of pork, 7 of 
beef, 6 of flour, and 100 pounds of flax, to procure salt for our in- 
habitants. 

John Wells, Jr., of Glastenbury, was allowed to transport, by water, 
to the port of Dartmouth, in Massachusetts, 30 barrels of pork, 5 bar- 
rels of flour ; 10 barrels of pork, and the 5 barrels of flour,' to be put 
on board a boat, James Skiff", master ; and 20 barrels of pork to be 
laden on board a schooner, Israel Williams, master, to be transported, 
to procure salt for the inhabitants of Glastenbury. 

In Session, (at Lebanon,) June 27. 
Duncan Stewart, Esq., collector of customs, at New London, was 
permitted to remove his family and servants to New York, from New 
York to proceed to London, and to take with him, a white woman 



452 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

with two young sona^Hs furniture, and Dr. Maffatt's, and a milch 
cow, for the benefit of his children on the passage. 

Francis Bayard Winthrop, on board the sloop Union, in New Lon- 
don harbor, (a flag from New York,) was permitted to go from said 
sloop, by water, to the dwelling house of John Winthrop, and to con- 
tinue in said house and on Winthrop's Neck, (so called,) until said flag 
should return ; and then return by water from said neck on board the 

flag. 

Duncan Stewart, Esq. was allowed to land from the sloop Union, 
(a flag) then lying near the light house, at New London, three or six 
packages of necessaries for sundry persons, under the instructions of 
the selectmen of New London, and to be disposed of under their 
inspection. 

Mr. Shaw was directed by the Governor and Council, at the request 
of D. Stewart, Esq., to assist said Stewart to have the sloop Union 
navigated to the wharf at New London, by some of the people of this 
State, while those who came in her, should be kept below in some 
other vessel, until the Union should return to them, with all convenient 
speed, and said vessel despatched ; and if said Stewart should have 
articles that he could not carry in the Union, that Mr. Shaw should 
cai:ry them in the next flag he should send, at the expense of said 
Stewart. 

Noah Colman, of Lebanon, was appointed surgeon in Col. Webb's 
regiment, in the place of Dr. Cogswell, resigned. 

I^^ Session, June 28. 

David Trumbull was desired to procure a wagon or ox team, and 
proceed immediately to Boston, and transport from Boston, on the 
most direct road to the army, a quantity of shirts for the use of the 
soldiers. 

The officers of the militia at New London and Groton, under Gen. 
Tyler, were directed to make their pay roll until the next Wednesday, 
and on the evening of that day be dismissed from service. 

It was ^ordered, that there should be allowed to each non-commis- 
sioned officer and soldier of the militia who had or should be called for 
the defence of the sea coaster as guards, that in lieu of rations granted 
by the General Assembly, they should be allowed 1 pound of bread or 
flour, 12 ounces of pork or 1 pound of beef, and 3 pence 1 farthing per 
diem, and when sauce could not be supplied .by the comniissary and in 
case of a deficiency of any of the articles, to be allowed in the follow, 
ing proportion per week, viz. : deficiency of peas, 8^d. ; butter, o\d. ; 
milk, lOid. ; molasses, 4|-d. ; Indian meal, O^d. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 4f53 

It was resolved, that no fatigue rum should be delivered to the troops 
stationed at any post in the State, except by a written order from the 
commanding officer of tlie post. 

An order of £4,000 was drawn in favor of Capt. Deshon. 

In Session, June 30. , 

A letter was sent to Gen. Spencer, to inform him of the movements 
of the enemy in the Jerseys, and in the northern department, by advice 
received from Gen. Washington and Gen. Schuyler. 

An order was drawn on Gen. Silliman and Thaddeus Burr, in favor 
of Nathaniel Shaw, for 4 tons of flax. 

An order was sent to Mr. Nathaniel Shaw, to send to New Haven 
all the whale boats, and the armed sloops Schuyler and Mifflin, to cruise 
off the harbor of New Haven and west of it. 

Orders were sent to Capt. Niles, of the Spy, to proceed on a cruise 
to New Haven, and as far west of it as he should think prudent, and 
towards Long Island, to annoy the enemy, and give any intelligence or 
interesting discovery he should make of the designs of the enemy. 

A permit was given to Francis Bayard Winthrop, then on board the 
sloop Union, a flag, near the light house in New London, to go on shore 
in the day time, to the house of Thomas Harris, near said light house, 
to visit his mother, brothers, and sisters, under the direction of the com. 
manding officer of the fort, civil authority, and selectmen of New 
London. 

Advice was received from Gen. Schuyler, that the British fleet and 
army had advanced as far as Crown Point ; and that a strong party 
had gone by the way of Otter Creek, for the purpose of falling in be- 
tween Ticonderoga and Skeensborough ; and that another detachment 
had marched on the west side of lake George, in order, if possible, to 
cut off" fort George, &;c., and requested that the militia might be ordered 
to march as soon as possible to their assistance, and rendezvous either 
at fort Edward or fort Ann. An order by the Governor was sent to 
Gen. Oliver Wolcott, stating to him the aforesaid facts ; and that all the 
continental troops on this side the lakes which occupied the several 
posts did not exceed 700 men ; that the aid of the militia was required, 
which he had called upon in the States of New York, MassTichusetts, 
and Connecticut, to rendezvous at forts Edward and Ann, as soon as 
might be. Therefore Gen. Wolcott was ordered by the Governor and 
Council, forthwith to order his brigade, (the 24th regiment excepted,) 
to hold themselves in readiness to march on the shortest notice. Also 
to draft by rotation one half of said brigade, (said 24th regiment and 
overseers, &c., at Sahsbury furnace excepted,) according to law, with 
a suitable number of officers ; to see them armed, equipped, furnished 
with ammunition, blankets, d:c., and so much provision as should be 
58 



454 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

necessary ; and to app^l suitable officers to command them. In the 
mean time to take care to get intelligence of the state of affairs at the 
northward, and to act his discretion from such information as he might 
receive, to order those drafted by rotation, or such other part of his 
brigade as he should think proper, to march for the assistance of the 
northern army, or for the relief of any place attacked, either on the 
North river, or at the northward. 

A letter was sent to Gen. Wolcott, informing him that a team would 
be sent to Litchfield loaded with powder, lead, and flints, and requesting 
him to send a team to Salisbury for a load of cannon shot, to be for- 
warded by the returning teams. N. B. 1,700 pounds of gun powder, 
2,005 pounds of lead, 1,000 flints, and 300 pounds of cannon powder 
were sent to Litchfield. 

In Session, July 1. 

William Redfield, of Middletown, was appointed issuing commissary 
for the regiment raised in this State for continental service, in the place 
of James Jones, resigned. 

Gamaliel Babcock, of Lebanon, was appointed issuing commissary to 
the battalions raised in this State for continental service, in the place of 
Dearing, I'csigned. 

Nathaniel Walker, of Stafford, confessed he deserted from a militia 
company at New London ; professed penitence for the offence, and 
asked to be relieved from a prosecution for said desertion. It was 
shewn he had faithfully served the State before his desertion, and had 
again enlisted as a soldier in the continental army in Col. Webb's regi- 
ment for three years. The Governor and Council ordered said Walk- 
er released, by his paying all costs, and joining the regiment in Avhich 
he had enlisted. 

Col. Ely was directed to order Lieut. John Shipman, with 20 men, 
as a guard at Saybrook, to add 30 men, with an officer ; and to add so 
many men to the guard at Lyme, under Ensign J. Griswold, as would 
make the number of 30 men. 

Liberty had been given in June, to D. Stewart, Esq., on his way to 
London, to remove the furniture of Dr. Moffat on board the flag of truce 
sloop Union, from New London ; but it was represented to the Gov- 
ernor and Council that said Moffat withdrew from this State and had 
been in arms with the British against us, and by said act his goods were 
forfeited to the State : Whereibre said permit to remove said goods 
was recalled, and all said Moffat's goods, estate, and furniture ordered 
left at New London with the selectmen of the town ; with orders given 
them to procure a proper process against said goods, &c., and have 
them condemned as forfeited to this State, if it should be proved that 
said Moffat had been under arms with the enemy. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 455 

Articles of goods had been purchased in New York, by Duncan 
Stewart, Esq., and brought to New London in the flag of truce Union. 
It was therefore resolved, that no goods of any kind should be imported 
from New York, or other place in the possession of the enemy, in 
flags of truce or otherwise, under a penalty of seizure and confiscation 
for the use of the State. Any pretended flag of truce to be confiscated, 
and the captain, and all others on board held as prisoners of war. 

Daniel Hinsdale, Jr., of Hartford, was permitted to transport by water 
to Bedford, or other port in Massachusetts, 8 tons of flour, owned in 
the State of New York, to be exchanged for salt, and transported to 
that State for their use. 

Ebenezer Barnard, Jr., of Hartford, was also permitted to transport 
by water, to Massachusetts, 8 tons of Indian corn, rye, or other provis- 
ion, or flax and lard, for any quantity of salt or sheep's wool he could 
procure to be imported into this State, from Massachusetts. 

If the non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the two regiments 
were unable to furnish themselves with arms, &;c., the selectmen of 
their respective towns were ordered to furnish such of them as needed 
their aid, with arms, blankets, &c. 

In Session, (at Lebanon) July 2. 

Joseph Torry, of Killingly, was permitted to carry to Massachusetts, 
6 firkins of butter to exchange for salt, for the inhabitants of said 
Killingly. 

Daniel Brush, of Long Island, a prisoner of war in this State, was 
permitted to go at large in the State, on his parole. 

An order was drawn in favor of William Lase, of Norwich, for 
£200, and charged to him. 

Eliphalet Smith, Alexander Furever, and Stephen Woodhull, all of 
Long Island, and prisoners of war, at New Haven, were released from 
confinement on parole, so that they might be present at the trial of the 
capture of the sloop in which they were taken. 

An order was given to Benjamin Payne, Esq., to cause the goods 
taken from Peleg Hyde, to be appraised, and held for the use of the 
State. 

John Pride, of Poughkeepsie, New York, was permitted to carry by 
land, from this State, to the State of New York, 30 bushels of salt and 
300 pounds of sugar. 

John Click, of Simsbury, was appointed ensign in Capt. Pettibone's 
company, in Col. Enos' regiment, in place of Benjamin Holcomb, 
resigned. Charles Goodwin, of New Hartford, was appointed 2d lieu- 
tenant in Capt. Abraham Bradley's company, in Col. Enos' regiment. 



456 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 



Samuel Mills, Daiii^^Iall, and Samuel Rockwell, of Colebrook, 
were permitted to transport to Massachusetts, three cart loads of flour, 
to be exchanged lor salt, lor the use of the inhabitants of said town. 

Jedediah Olcott, of Hartford, was permitted to transport to Massa- 
chusetts, one cart load of flour, to exchange for salt, for the inhabitants. 

Is Session, July 3. 

Isaac Knight was appointed surgeon, and William Morris, quarter 
master of a regiment raised for the defence of the sea coast. 

The Council of Safety of the State of New York, appointed Obadiah 
Jones, John Hurlbut, and Thomas Bearing, Esq'rs., to give permits to 
such of the refugees from Long Island as resided in Connecticut as 
they should think proper and prudent to pass to Long Island, to get 
their effects, and to other islands in said State, (except Fisher's Island,) 
which was consented to by the Governor and Council. 

Obadiah Jones, Esq., was desired to furnish the civil authority 
selectmen, &c., of the several towns in this State, in which any 
refugees from Long Island resided, with a vote of the Governor and 
Council on the subject. 

An order was drawn on Capt. Ephraim Bill, Prosper VVetmore, and 
Andrew Huntington, in favor of Gamaliel Babcock, an issuing commis- 
sary, for any quantity of rum, sugar, pepper, coffee, and rice in his 
custody. 

Gov. Trumbull sent an order to Brig. Gen. Ward, and informed him 
that he had been advised that the enemy had advanced from Canada as 
far as Crown Point, and were preparing to attack our army at Ticon- 
deroga. Also intormed him that Gen. Howe was leaving New Jersey 
with the grand army, and preparing to fall upon other places, and 
advised him of the necessity of being prepared for all events ; and 
therefore directed him to apply for powder and balls, to be formed into 
cartridges of ten in a bunch, with the same number of balls, place them 
in tight boxes, and the boxes numbered, to be kept in his care 25,000 
cartridges, and to send the remainder to Durham, to the care of Maj. 
Gen. Wadsworth. (An order \vas given for 1 ton of balls and 700 
pounds of powder to Gen. Ward.) 

Maj. Elias Buel was directed to repair with the troops, (then on their 
march) directly to New London barracks, to garrison the fort there, 
and to take the command in the absence of his superior officer, to dis- 
cipline his men, and carry on the works, (of erecting the fortifications,) 
under the direction of the engineer ; and to apply to Capt. Deshon for 
needful provisions. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 457 

In Session, July 4. 

Col. J. Fitch was appointed commissary to purchase necessary pro- 
visions for the regiment raised, in this State under Col. Enos, and to 
see that the officers and soldiers were duly served with their rations. 

George Allen and Andrew Angell, of Scituate, in Rhode Island, were 
permitted to export from this State, to said Scituate, 100 bushels of 
Indian corn, 6 barrels of flour, 500 pounds of cheese, and 6 bushels of 
beans, to aid them in their tavern. 

An order was drawn on Capt. Jabez Huntington, to deliver Gamaliel 
Babcock, 2,000 pounds of coffee, for commissary Hubbard. 

Orders were sent to Capt. J. Perkins, of Norwich, to receive of 
Reuben Barnard, John Russell, and Reuben Giles, of Nantucket, a 
quantity of rum, molasses, salt, and oil, at the price fixed by law ; and 
to deliver them in exchange, provisions, at rated legal prices, for the 
use of this State. 

Isaac Day, of Torrington, was appointed surgeon's mate in the regi- 
ment of Col. Webb. 

It was directed that no board wages, when suitable provision had 
been made, should be allowed to the officers and men on board the ship 
Oliver Cromwell, in the settlement of their accounts, antecedent to the 
14th day of April, 1777, unless such officer, &c., was so sick, as that 
his continuance would have endangered his life, or the health of others 
on board said ship. Capt. Coit was ordered to render an account of 
th^ arms, provisions, stores, &;c., on board said ship while he had her 
command. 

Joseph Raymond was permitted to pass to Long Island on his parole, 
to return ^*ithin eighteen days. 

In Session, (at Lebanon,) July 5. 

Brig. Gen. Silliman was directed to cause a sufficient number of 
cartridges immediately made and put in boxes, with a mark of the ball 
in each box, and deposite them in some safe place, to be used on direc- 
tion ; to be made of the public powder in his hands. And to order his 
brigade to stand equipped and in readiness to march at the shortest 
notice, in such detachments as the exigency should require, in case of 
an attack or an approach of the enemy in his neighborhood, or up the 
North river, at his discretion. 

Gen. Erastus Wolcott was ordered to procure of Col, Pitkin 350 
pounds of gun poM^der, and 1,000 pounds of musket ball, of Tho's Dan- 
forth, and cause the same to be made into cartridges,' of ten in a bunch, 
and numbered with the number of balls each size required to make one 
pound, and put them in tight boxes and numbered, and deposite them 



458 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

in some safe place, to li^^ady on any emergency. Also, to order one- 
fourth of his brigade to be drafted and equipped, with suitable officers 
appointed, and hold them in readiness to march on the shortest notice. 

Orders were also sent to Gen. Ward, to draft one-fourth part of his 
brigade, and order them armed and equipped, and to hold them in con- 
stant readiness to march on the shortest notice, with proper officers 
thereto appointed. 

Orders were sent to Col. Ely, to call the remainder of his regiment 
to New London, and make a return of the number, as soon as possible. 

Orders were sent to Col. Enos, to draw the remaining part of his 
regiment to New Haven, as quick as possible, and to make a return of 
the number, for further orders. 

Orders were sent Brig. Gen. Tyler, to apply to Maj. Gen. Hunting- 
ton for 1,000 pounds of lead, and 350 pounds of gun powder, to be 
made into cartridges, as was directed in an order to Gen. Wolcott, and 
similar orders as to drafting a part of his brigade. 

Orders were sent to Brig. Gen. Douglass, to apply to Capt. Eaton, 
of Plainfield, for 770 pounds of musket balls, and powder sufficient 
to make them into cartridges, as directed in the order to Gen. Wol- 
cott ; and orders to draft a part of his brigade. 

Received a letter from Col. John Fitch respecting the purchasing 
provisions for Col. Enos' regiment, and returned an answer, with or- 
ders to send a person to the northward to make purchases, per Samuel 
Thatcher. 

Capt. WiUiam Coit, the late commander of the ship Oliver Crom- 
well, who had applied to the Governor and Council for the settlement 
of the said ship's accounts, when under his command, wl^iph for rea- 
sons had failed. It was at this time agreed and voted by the Board, 
that Capt. Nathaniel Perkins, Jabez Perkins, and William Hubbard, of 
Norwich, should be a committee with full power to examine and adjust 
said Coit's accounts against said ship until a final settlement should be 
had, as well as his reasonable account of all provisions, utensils, and 
stores, of every kind, procured and delivered to his care, while in said 
command, as well as the accounts that might be exhibited in behalf of 
the State, including every matter, whether disputed or not, that might 
be laid before said committee; who had full power to hear and deter- 
mine the same, at such time and place as they should appoint, and re- 
port the result to the Governor and Council, which was agreed should 
be binding and conclusive, as well upon the State as upon said Coit in 
the fullest sense. 

William Hillhouse exhibited an account of money paid the commit. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 459 

tee for appraising land at Groton fort, for his time and expenses, being 
£4 : 6 : 9, which was allowed, and an order drawn for said sum. 

Samuel Elliot, Jr., of Boston, agent for Connecticut, was directed 
to sell all the flour and butter brought in the several vessels taken by 
Capt. Smedley, in the armed brig Defence, of this State, then at Bos- 
ton, with orders to give notice of the sale, to the Board of War there, 
that they might have an opportunity to purchase, if they wished ; and 
was desired to transmit to the Governor an account of the articles not 
disposed of, under his care at Boston, Plymouth, and Dartmouth, and 
of the disposal of the property made, and the delivery on the orders 
sent him by this State. ' 

In Session, July 7. 

A letter was sent to Samuel Elliot, Jr., Esq., of Boston, with direc 
tions as to the action of the Governor and Council on the 5th of July. 

An order was given, July 6th, to Capt. John Deshon, to receive of 
Mr. Elijah Hubbard, of Middletown, flour, if he had purchased any. 

An order was made, July (Jth, on Mr. Peter Goodrich, to Capt. 
Deshon, for bread and flour on hand. 

On the memorial of Michael Judah, of Norwalk, he shewed that two 
hogsheads and one tierce of brown sugar, owned by him, on board a 
boat in Milford harbor, which in transporting from Rocky Hill to Nor. 
walk for the inhabitants of Norwalk, was seized by a warrant signed 
by the Governor. The said Judah was permitted by the Govern'or and 
Council to proceed to Norwalk with his sugar, the seizure notwith- 
standing. 

A letter was sent to Capt. Cockran, of Say brook, to purchase flour 
and meat, in the best manner he could, and to apply to the pay table 
for money. 

Gen. Silliman was directed to procure an exchange of some of our 
prisoners, who had been taken at Middlesex, in March, 1777, for 
some of the enemy's prisoners that were taken in the expedition to 
Danbury. He was also directed to permit Jane Mape, a single wo- 
man, a milhner of New York, to pass to New York on her parole, 
and to return when required by the commander-in-chief. 

The Governor and Council directed that the following orders should 
be given by the commander-in-chief to Col. Roger Enos, of the 1st regi- 
ment of troops, ordered raised for the defence of this State, viz. : " On 
consideration of intelligence received from Brig. Gen. Silliman since 
my last orders to you, dated the 5th inst., I have thought fit, by advice 
of Council, to alter those orders ; and you are hereby directed to order 
Capt. Edward Rogers and Capt. Reuben Scofield, to collect and march 



460 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

their companies to th^pivn of Greenwich. Capt. Abraham Bradley 
to collect and march his company to the town of Stamford. Capt. 
Reuben Bostwick to collect and march his company to the town of 
Milford, and Capt. Stephen Thorp to collect and march his company 
to Fairfield. The companies commanded by Captains Abel Pcttibone, 
James Peck, and Peter Curtiss, you will order to be collected and 
marched to New Haven, leaving those marched in consequence of my 
first order, to remain in service according to the direction thus given 
imtil further orders. Where any company is not full, you will order 
a recruiting officer to be left to enlist men until the 15th inst. ; you will 
then make a return of your regiment to me, with every circumstance 
attending it. I am informed that the men who were on duty at the 
time of enlisting, left their duty by leave from their officer, until the 
15th of July, which was rather weakening than strengthening our de- 
fence. All ought to remain in, or go on duty as soon as directed. 
You will direct your lieutenant colonel and major to repair to such 
post or town where the men are ordered, to take the command in your 
absence. The men are to be employed according to such orders as 
have been given, and to guard and defend the places where they are ; 
both you and they will obey such orders as you may receive from any 
general officer for the defence of this State, either within the same or 
on its borders. 

" Given in Lebanon, the 7th day of July, 1777. 

" Jonathan Trumbull." 
(Copy sent by Capt. Harper.) 

Capt. Peck's company of militia that was posted at Burwell's farms, 
at Milford, was ordered dismissed on the arrival of Capt. Bostwick's 
company, of Col. Enos' regiment, ordered to that post. 

The overseers of the furnace at Salisbury, were ordered to deliver 
to the selectmen of Milford, fifty 4 pound Shot, thirty 6 pound shot, 
and one hundred pounds of grape shot, and take their receipt. 

Zelotes Sanders, who was drafted by Capt. Edward Shipman, of 
Saybrook, to fill the continental battalions in this State, by reason of 
lameness and infirmity of body, and being unable to perform camp duty, 
was discharged from service. 

In Session, July 8. 
It was voted, that the overseers of the furnace at Salisbury, should 
supply Andrew Rowland with ten 3 or 4 pound cannon, as he should 
choose ; also two swivel guns, (if any to be spared,) in lieu of the 
cannon and swivels, he received an order for, on the 4th of November, 
1776, and to receive the pay for the same. 



IlEVOLUTIOiNARY WAR, 1777. 461 

Directions w ere sent to Mr. Thaddeus Burr, to purchase a sufficient 
quantity of tow shirts and trowscrs to be sent to the prisoners in New 
York, w-ho belonged to this State, to be deUvered to those who were 
the most needy, and an account taken to whom delivered. Sent by 
Dudley Baldwin, July 8. 

Directions were sent to Capt. Niles, in answer to his letter of the 3d 
of (inst.) July, regarding some prisoners, viz. : to send Alexander 
Clark to the care of General Siliiman ; Ephraim Betts and Joseph 
Waterbury to Hartford gaol ; John Curry and John Casey to remain 
on board the Spy until her return to New London, then to deliver said 
Curry to Mr. Shaw, and said Casey to remain on board until his cir- 
cumstances should be further known, and if an opportunity should pre- 
sent, he was at liberty to send to Setocket for their clothes and money. 
The letter was delivered Mr. Baldwin, July 8. 

Israel Newton was appointed captain ; Zebulon Waterman, lieuten- 
ant ; and Jesse Billings, ensign of the 5th company, 25th regiment of 
militia in this State. 

Job Yorle was appointed lieutenant, and Lucius Tuttle ensign of the 
5th company ia the 10th regiment of militia. 

Experience Robinson, of Windham, exhibited his account of his time, 
expenses, and wages of sundry persons employed by him for going to 
Portsmouth, in May, 1777, to bring field pieces into this State, amount- 
ing to £43 : 6 : 7, which was approved ; and an order drawn on the 
pay table for the same, July 8. 

Mr. Andrew Huntington w^as directed to apply to Capt. Jabez Per- 
kins, for 20 hogsheads of the poorest quality of molasses, owned by 
the State in his care, with orders to deliver the same ; and when re- 
ceived, to distil it into rum. Order delivered Gen. Huntington, July 8. 

A letter was sent to Benjamin Huntington, Esq., to inform him of 
the mobs, &,c., at New Loudon in taking Mr. Winthrop's goods and 
others, desiring Mr. Huntington to enquire into the affair, and bring the 
offenders to justice. 

Messrs. Joseph Denison, 2d, and William Elliot, of Stonington, 
owners of the sloop Dove, were permitted to transport out of this State, 
two loads, for said sloop, of cheese and Indian forn, to Massachusetts, 
to procure salt for the inhabitants of this State. The permit delivered 
to Mr. Denison, July 8. 

In Session, July i). 
Reuben Scofield, of Stamford, was appointed captain in the battal- 
ion ordered to be raised in this State, to defend the sea coast, under 
Col. Roger Enos, in the place of Jesse Bell, resigned. Christopher 
Wolcott was appointed surgeon and physician of said regiment. 

Robert Rice, of Wallingford, was drafted and ordered to join the 
59 



462 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

continental army, but Jb^ lameness in his feet for years, he was unable 
to march and do the duty of a soldier, and was therefore dismissed 
fi'om said draft and service in the battalions raised in this State, for the 
continental army. 

Acors Sheffield exhibited an account of wages due to a number of 
matrosses, who had served at Stonington, in December, 1776, and Janu- 
ary, 1777 ; which was referred to the pay table for adjustment, &c. 

Simeon Hicox exhibited an account of provisions supplied the militia 
companies and troops, posted at Stonington, to the 7th of July, 1777. 
Referred to the pay table. 

Joshua Hubart, of Goshen, in the State of New York, was permitted 
to transport by land to said State, 25 bushels of salt, for the use of the 
people of said Goshen. 

The civil authority, selectmen, and committee of inspection of Kil- 
lingworth, stated that Ira Ward, of said town, was confined at Willing, 
ton, as a tory ; that he had made such assurances of his future good 
conduct, they asked for his release and return to said Killingworth. 
The Governor and Council voted to release him, and directed him to 
return to Killingworth, and remain under the direction of the civil 
authority, selectmen, and committee of inspection in said town. 

In Session, July 10. 

Nicholas Brown, of Hartford, had (then, lately) gone over to the 
enemy in New York»and left his wife Hannah, and four children, viz. : 
one son Nicholas, about 6 years old, and three daughters, Ruth, Hannah, 
and Cynthia ; Ruth, the eldest, about 16 years of age. The Governor 
and Council gave liberty to the wife of said Brown, and to the eldest 
daughter, if either should choose to go to New York to said Nicholas, 
to permit them at their own expense to go to said Nicholas. And the 
Governor and Council recommended to the selectmen of Hartford, to 
take care of and bind out to some good families the other three children. 
(The permit delivered to Jacob Brown.) 

Chauncey Whittlesey, of Middletown, was directed to deliver to the 
overseers of the lead mine, at Middletown, such provisions and small 
clothing for the use of the miners employed, as the overseers should 
judge necessary. Delivered to Capt. Russell. 

An order was given to the selectmen of New Milford to receive 100 
pounds of musket powder and 200 pounds of musket balls, (which Avere 
sent by the selectmen of Woodbury, to New Milford, to the care of 
Col. Canfield. On the back of said order directions were given to 
apply to Gen. Silliman for flints, and to make every effort to be supplied. 
(Order delivered to Mr. Hine, July 10. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 463 

In Session, July 11. 
An order was sent to Nathaniel Shaw, Jr., Esq., to procure a vessel 
and proceed with a flag to New York, at the expense of the State of 
New York, to deliver to the gentlemen who were permitted to go to 
New York on their parole, to return in ten days after the receipt of 
such order ; and. in case of refusal, to take care the evidence thereof 
might be preserved. Also to apply to Ezekiel Williams, Esq., com- 
missary of prisoners of war, for Alexander Clark and John Curry, and 
any other marine prisoners in his care, to be carried to New York and 
exchanged. 

An order was given to Ezekiel Williams, Esq., to deliver to Mr. 
Nathaniel Shaw, Alexander Clark and John Curry, and any other 
marine prisoners in his care who were desirous of it, to be exchanged. 
Order sent to Mr. Lattimer. 

Sent to Gen. Jubez Huntington, at Norwich, 2,309 pounds of sheet 
lead. 

An order was sent to Capt. Josiah Child, of Col. Bradley's regi- 
ment, touching Elam Hulet and Nathaniel Kee, soldiers impressed from 
Capt. David Cooley's company, in Killingly, represented not to be able 
bodied men ; directing him not to march soldiers who were apparently 
disabled ; if any to inform the Governor. 

Nathaniel Raymond to be lieutenant of the 2d company in Norwalk, 
in the 9th regiment of militia in this State. 

Received a letter from Col. Moses Robinson, dated at Bennington, 
July 8th, 1777, by William Field, advising of the evacuation of the 
posts at the northward. 

In Session, July 12. 

A permit was granted to Daniel Hinsdale, Jr., of Hartford, to trans- 
port out of this State, 3 tons of flour, 18 barrels of beef, and 1 barrel of 
hog's lard, to Massachusetts. Said articles on board a boat or sloop at 
East Haddam, Capt. James, master. Salt to be brought in return. 

Sent per Thomas Loomis 1 hogshead sugar, contents 12 cwt. 1 qr. 
21 lbs. ; 1 hogshead New England rum, contents 1 17 gallons. And 
per Joseph Loomis, 3 hogsheads of clothing, contents 1,000 shirts, 768 
hose ; to be delivered to Messrs. Elijah Hubbard and Royal Flint, at 
Danbury, or where directed by them, for the use of the continental 
troops. 

The Governor was desired to endorse to Maj. Joshua Huntington, an 
order drawn by the Hon. John Hancock, President of the Continental 
Congress, in favor of Gov. Trumbull, on John Lawrence, Esq., com- 
missioner of the continental loan office, in the State of Connecticut, for 



464 RKVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

$20,000, ill part paj^Rit for the frigate (then) building at Norwich, 
for the United States of America. Said Huntington to account for the 
same in the settlement for building said frigate ; which was endorsed 
by the Governor and delivered to Maj. Huntington, July 14, 1777, and 
his receipt taken. 

An order was drawn on the pay table for the sum pf £787 : 12 : 6^ 
in favor of Capt. William Coit, (then) late commandeY of the ship 
Ohvcr Cromwell, in full of all his demands on the State of Connecticut, 
on account of wages of himself, his officers and men on board said ship, 
or any other account whatever, agreeable to the award of Capt. 
Nathaniel Backus, Jabez Perkins, and William Hubbard, to whom 
said accounts were referred. 

Received an order for the above sum, July 14th, 1777. 

Wm. Coit. 

An order was given to the pay table to allow to William Wheeler, a 
just reward for riding express from Salisbury to Lebanon, and to draw 
on the Treasurer for the balance, and charge the same to the United 
States. 

Mr. Brown, the post rider, was sent express to head quarters with 
letters of importance, which took a great part of the day to prepare. 

David Trumbull was appointed to receive the old fire arms brought 
from Albany, and to have them appraised by two indifferent men, to 
examine them, and have repaired all that were worth repairing, and 
have them fit for service, at the expense of the State, as soon as 
might be. 

In Session, July 15. 

Orders were given to Col. Enos in the words following, viz. : 

" State of Connecticut, by the Captain General : To Roger Enos, Esq., 
colonel of the 1st regiment raised for the defence of the sea coast, &c. 
You are hereby ordered, forthwith, to order the fullest company now 
at New Haven, under your command, to march to the town of Noi'walk, 
and the captain of the same, to post them as guards where most needed, 
for defence of that part of the coast ; to obey such orders as he shall 
receive from Brig. Gen. Silliman, or other his superior officers." 

John McCleave Avas permitted to transport 1 ton of flax, 2J tons of 
rye flour, and 400 bushels of corn, on board the schooner George, 
Samuel Perkins, master, to Massachusetts, for the purpose of purchas- 
ing salt, to be imported into this State. 

Capt. John Venters was ordered to dismiss the militia men under 
his common duty, at Saybrook, and to secure the public arms, car- 
tridges, &c. The order delivered to Mr. Smith, of Chatham. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 465 

A permit was granted to Shubael Chase and Nathaniel Bunker, of 
Nantucket, to purchase and export from Connecticut, to said Nantucket, 
for their inhabitants, a small boat load of provisions and flax ; the 
embargo notwithstanding. A like permit was granted to Zebediah 
Cleaveland, of Martha's Vinyard. A like permit was also granted to 
Mr. John Wass, to export the same quantity of the same articles to 
Martha's Vinyard. 

Ix Session, July 16. 

An order on the pay table was drawn for £1,000, in favor of Eben- 
ezer Ledyard, Esq., commissary at Groton. 

A permit was given to Col. Joseph Drake, (then) late of New Ro- 
chelle, to transport through and carry out of this State, 22 hogsheads 
of sugar, by him brought from Providence, to be marked by Capt. Ja- 
bez Perkins, and shipped for Hartford, and there examined by Ezekiel 
Williams, Esq., and certified by him as laden with the same, and per- 
mitted to pass. 

Orders were given to Ezekiel Williams, Esq., in the words follow- 
ing, to wit : 

" State of Connecticut, by the Governor : To Ezekiel Williams, 
Esq., commissary of prisoners : — You are hereby directed to deliver 
to Capt. Samuel Lyon, of Rye, in the State of New York, Henry 
Hallock, a seaman, and one other seaman, prisoners in this State, such 
as you may judge convenient, (never an inhabitant in this State,) to be 
exchanged for a son of said Capt. Samuel Lyon, and one other person^ 
a friend of his, who are prisoners with our enemies, taking Capt. 
Lyon's receipt to return said Hallock and other prisoner, if not ex- 
changed ; keeping an account of your doings and what is done thereon, 
and make return to the Governor and Council." 

Joshua Bottom was appointed 1st lieutenant in Capt. James Smith's 
company in Col. Ely's regiment. 

Norwich, June 1st, 1777. 

Received of Mr. Adam Babcock, by order of His Excellency Gov. 
Trumbull, eight bales of woolen cloth, No. 21, 22, 32, 36, 37, 38, 
44, and 48, containing 2,853| ells ; two bales, No. 51, and 54, con- 
taining 110 blankets ; also two bales of blankets, No. 50, and 53, and 
two bales of cloth, No. 26, and 35, contents unknown, forwarded to 
Hartford, for the use of the continental battalions in this State. Like- 
wise, received sixteen bales. No. 14, 17, 20, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 31, 
33, 34, 39, 40, 45, 49, 52, forwarded to Jeremiah Wadsworth, Esq., 
to be transported to the clothier genera], the contents unknown, having 
signed two receipts of the same tenor and date. Received per An- 
drew Huntington ; which was endorsed and signed by Gov. Trumbull. 



466 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 



A permit was give^Wohn Deming, of Wethersfield, to ship 300 
bushels of corn, 200 of rye, 2 barrels of beans, and 20 barrels of rye 
flour, and transport it in the schooner Speedwell, to exchange for salt 
for the use of the inhabitants of this State, any embargo notwith- 
standing. 

In Session, July 17. 

Edward Hallam was appointed commissary for the troops at New 
London fort, in place of Capt. John Deshon, appointed by the Conti- 
nental Congress, one of the Naval Board for the eastern department ; 
and said Hallam was directed to apply to Capt. Deshon for all the 
stores he had on hand, and for directions from him ; and said Hallam 
was ordered to attend to such further orders as he should receive from 
time to time. 

Col. John Ely was ordered to dismiss a Negro slave, (owned. by Jo- 
seph .Crandall,) fi'om his regiment, to return to said Crandall ; and 
his premium, arms, &;c. to be returned before his dismission. 

Capt. Deshon was directed to purchase a house and lot of land, in 
New London, the property of Eliphalet Lester, at as reasonable a 
price as he could, for the purpose of a barrack for the troops of this 
State, and to take the deed to the Governor and company. 

Capt. Deshon was directed to send a small vessel to Bedford, to load 
with salt, the property of this State, which the commissary general 
imported in the vessel commanded by Capt. Allen Stillman, for the 
State ; to deliver one-half of said salt at Norwich, for the commissary 
general, and the other half for the use of this State ; and the remain- 
der of his cargo, Capt. Stillman was ordered to store at Bedford, in the 
best manner he could, for safety, except so much salt as should be 
a sufficient ballast for his vessel, and proceed to Hartford, and deliver 
one-half of said salt to the commissary general for his use, and the 
other for the use of this State ; and then to deliver the vessel to the 
owner ; and to deliver the State's half of the salt, at Norwich, to 
Capt. Jabez Perkins. 

Capt. Deshon was directed to furnish the old brig Defence with four 
carriage guns, 6 pounders, and QJght swivels, with ten small arms, 
and ammunition enough to defend her for her voyage then to bp per- 
formed ; to apply to Elderkin & Wales for powder ; to Gen. Hunting- 
ton for shot ; to Capt. Jabez Huntington, of Windham, for the small 
arms. 

In Session, July 18. 
The Governor was desired to give the following orders to Col. 
John Ely : 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 467 

" By the Captain General : To John Ely, colonel of the 2d regiment 
of troops ordered raised by the Assembly, in May, 1777, for the de- 
fence of the sea coast and frontiers of this State and places adjacent : — 
You are hereby directed to station Capt. Palmer, with his 2d lieuten- 
ant Chapman, and the soldiers they enlisted at Stonington ; those 
troops stationed by former orders at Lyme and Saybrook, are to con- 
tinue there until further orders. You will order two companies of 
the regiment into Groton fort, for the present. The remaining part of 
the regiment, you will order to fort Trumbull and thereabouts, and 
employ them in completing the works there ; and the men at each of 
those forts are to take the tour of fatigue equally ; those of Groton that 
may be spared from the necessary guards and works, you will order 
over, and employ in the works at fort Trumbull, in rotation, leaving 
there what are needed to complete the works at Groton. You will take 
care that the men are kept clean, and to duty ; and when on fatigue, 
they are to receive, by your orders in writing, or the order of the 
commanding officer, in your absence, the rum allowed when on fatigue 
duty. You will take care and prevent all kinds of embezzlements and 
abuses of arms, ordnance stores, tools and utensils owned by the pub- 
lic. A keeper of the ordnance and*military stores will be appointed, 
whose duty will be pointed out. . The plan of the works is laid out, to 
which you will attend, and when any further directions are needful, 
you will apply to this Board, and follow such orders as may be given. 
Mr. Edward Hallam is appointed commissary to provide for the men 
on New London side ; Ebenezer Ledyard, Esq. is appointed commis- 
sary on Groton side ; Capt. Cockran at Saybrook. You will take 
care that the military officers and matrosses attend, and do faithfully 
their duty, and from time to time give information and all needful intel- 
Hgence to this Board. You will attend to the services to be performed 
by every part of your regiment ; to see it duly ordered and performed, 
and direct advice to be given you in case of the appearance of an 
enemy, or an attack ; you will put all in proper posture of defence. 
And on every necessary occasion forward intelligence to me, and make 
needful alarms. You will give the necessary orders for preventing the 
landing of the enemy. You will, as soon as may be, send me a re- 
turn of your regiment, in due form. And you will attend and obey all 
orders you may receive from me or other your superior officers. You 
are also to take care and make proper enquiry of all such vessels, 
boats, &c., as pass the fort, and attend to the law and the orders which 
may be further given for your direction. Given under my hand, at 
Lebanon, the 18th day of July 1777. 

"Jonathan Trumbull." 



k 



468 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

An order in favor oPBapt. Nathaniel Saltonstall was drawn on Na- 
thaniel Shaw, Jr., Esq., for £200, towards paying the artillery under 
his command. 

In Session, July 20. 
Consulted on some matters of importance in relation to the letters 
from the westward, with the information that a fleet of the enemy was 
in the sound, proceeding eastward. 

In Session, July 21. 

Orders were given to Brig. Gen. Douglass, of the 5th brigade of 
militia in this State, to call together the field officers of his brigade, to 
consult on the best and most expeditious manner of collecting and 
marching the companies of his brigade to any place attacked. On the 
alarm which then existed, he was advised to settle the officers for each 
of the four divisions, and their rotation ; and to use prudence, how the 
men of the 1st division should be well armed and equipped for a march, 
so as to be in immediate readiness, and hindered as little as possible 
by their business ; as it was probable their march would be to Provi- 
dence, of which he would soon •be informed by further orders, if it 
should be so. It appeared in the alarm list that many men were 
cripples and incurable, which rendered it impracticable for them to 
march and perform the duties of soldiers : Therefore Gen. Douglass 
was directed to examine the several cases and excuse such as the law 
had provided for ; and not to dismiss, but to hold such as were of abil- 
ity of estate, to be well furnished with arms, ammunition, and ready to 
do whatever was reasonable, and promote the defence of the rights and 
liberties of their country. No returns had been received from any 
brigade or regiment, which by law should be done every two months. 

An order was given on Elijah Hubbard to supply Ebenezer Ledyard 
and Edward Hallam, commissaries, with flour needful for the troops in 
their department. 

An order for 20 bushels of salt was given on Capt. Deshon, for the 
use of the troops at New London. 

An order was given on Andrew Huntington to deliver one hogshead 
of New England rum to Edward Hallam, for the use of the troops of 
the State at New London. 

An order was voted to be drawn on the pay table in favor of Edward 
Hallam, for the sum of £600 lawful money, to enable him to provide 
for the troops at New London, and render his account. 

A commission was given by the Governor to the Hon. Roger Sher- 
man, Samuel Huntington, and Titus Hosmer, to act as a committee 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 469 

from tliis State, in conjunction with committees from the States of Mas- 
sachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and New York, to consult 
on the state of the currency of those States, the expediency of calling 
it in, &c., to meet at Springfield, on the 30th day of July, 1777. 

The Governor gave a permit to Isaac Beers and Henry Dagget, of 
New Haven, to transport 200 bushels of corn, 200 bushels of rye, or 
flour equivalent, 1 ton of flax, and 10 barrels of salted beef from Connec- 
ticut to Massachusetts Bay, in small boats under the inspection of Sam- 
uel Bishop, Jr., Esq., and to be exchanged for salt, oil, and sugar, for 
the use of the inhabitants. Permit delivered to Roger Sherman, Esq. 

In Skssion, July 22. 

A permit was given Vandervoort, Drake, Sands & Co., to transport 
25 hogsheads of sugar, they had on hand, into the State of New York, 
to be first inspected, marked and certified by E. Williams, Esq., and 
then transported, the embargo notwithstanding, for the use of the army 
and friendly inhabitants in the State of New York. 

Orders were given to Brig. Gen. Erastus Wolcott, in the same form 
as had been given Gen. Douglass. 

An order was given on Elderkin & Wales for 200 pounds of musket 
powder, to the selectmen of Voluntown, to be accounted for as part of 
their proportion of public powder. The order delivered to Capt. Isaac 
Gallup, July 22. 

The Governor and Council were informed that there were a number 
of public arms in the hands of Col. John Durkee, in Norwich, which 
required repairs before they could be used ; therefore Col. Samuel 
Abbott was directed to receive said arms, and see them in the most 
prudent method repaired. 

An order was drawn in favor of Elijah Barker, Esq., on Capt. 
Tyley, for 4 tons of pig iron, the property of the State. 

It was resolved that a company of artillery, of thirty-four men, in- 
cluding officers, should be raised within the 20th regiment of militia, in 
this State. The non-commissioned officers and privates were to be 
raised by voluntary enlistment ; to exercise the mounted field pieces at 
Norwich, in case of an invasion or attack by the enemy, and subject to 
the orders of the Captain General, and other superior officers, and the 
field officers of said regiment ; who were also to be excused from any 
other military duty while said company should be continued. The 
commissioned officers appointed by the Governor and Council, and the 
non-commissioned officers to be chosen by the company ; and all future 
vacancies of commissioned officers to be filled by said company. Jacob 
Devvitt was appointed captain of said company ; Joseph Howland, 
60 



470 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

captain-lieatenant ; Isai^lS>bel, lieutenant ; and William Lax, lieuten- 
ant fire worker of said company. The Governor was desired to com- 
mission the officers, provided a number sufficient should be enlisted 
within three weeks from the 22d day of July, 1777. 

Ralph Williams, a soldier in the service of the State, had liberty to 
enlist into the continental service for three years, or during the war. 

Sarah Ketchum, of Fairfield, the wife of James Ketchum, shewed to 
the Governor and Council that her husband was at Huntington, on 
Long Island, and desired that she might be permitted to go to him with 
her family ; and that William Lieet, then in Connecticut, had a family 
at said Huntington, that he was desirous to remove to Connecticut, 
which could not be done except by an exchange of families ; and 
prayed the Governor and Council to grant her liberty to go to Long 
Island with her family, household furniture, and provisions, and be 
exchanged for the family, household furniture, and provisions of the 
said William Lieet, &c. The said Sarah Ketchum was permitted to 
go to said Huntington with her family of three small children, to be 
exchanged for the whole family of said William Lieet ; and to keep 
her household furniture and a small quantity of provisions, provided the 
same indulgence should be granted to the said William Lieet, other- 
wise to be returned ; and Gen. Silliman was ordered to grant a flag 
for said purpose. 

I^' Session, July 23. 

Joseph Chew had liberty granted him to fish in any part of the fish 
pond within the limits of his parole, and go round the pond for that 
piu'pose, provided he should commit no trespass in so doing. 

The Governor and Council directed David Trumbull to purchase and 
procure for this State, four teams, to consist of one yoke of oxen, one 
horse, and a convenient cart, and proper harness for each team, to be 
used at the works at fort Trumbull that season, at as cheap a rate as 
he prudently could, and report the expense to the Governor and 
Council. 

An order was drawn on David Trumbull for £25 ; 5 ; 10 money, in 
favor of John and Daniel Dewey, for carting powder and lead from 
Lebanon to Litchfield, in July, 1777, and a load of cannon shot from 
Litchfield to Lebanon, and two loads from Lebanon to Norwich, and 
expenses. 

Edward Hallam was directed to provide four ammunition carts for 
the use of the troops at New London, of a proper construction to be 
useful at the forts ; and to be advised by Col. Ely and Maj. Saltonstall 
as to the construction of said carts. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 47 J 

John Raymond was appointed to engage 12 draught horses in New 
London, to be ready on the shortest notice, to be used in the field car- 
riages, or other use at New London, on any emergency ; the horses 
to be appraised, and their hire to be paid while in actual service, and 
the horses paid for if lost in public use ; and to confer with Maj. Wil- 
liam Hillhouse, and take his directions therein. 

L\ Session, July 24. 
Catherine Spalden, (then) late from Scotland, a resident in Norwalk, 
in this State, stated and shewed to the Governor and Council, that she 
with her husband, some years previous, came from Scotland to New 
York ; that her husband about three years previous sailed on a voyage 
to Europe ; that she had heard nothing from him since he sailed, and 
supposed him deceased ; that when the enemy came to New York, she 
fled to Norwalk, in this State, with some small effects ; that James 
Bradley fled with her to Norwalk, and was then sick with the con- 
sumption, and depended upon her for supplies ; that she had parents 
then living in Scotland, and no friends in this country ; and prayed the 
Governor and Council for liberty to go with said Bradley to New Y^'ork, 
and take with her, her furniture and clothes, for the purpose of sailing 
for Scotland, from New York. All which was granted ; and Gen. 
Silliman was directed to grant a flag for that purpose. 

In Session, July 25. 

Upon the desireof Peter Bulkley and others, church wardens, and 
Jonathan Sturges, Thaddeus Burr, &;c., and at the request of the civil 
authority, selectmen, and committee of inspection, at Fairfield, request, 
ing the Governor and Council that the Rev. John Sayer might be 
released from confinement at Farmington, and return to Fairfield to his 
care and charge, dec. The Governor and Council directed the said 
Sayer to be released from his confinement, and permitted him to return 
to Fairfield, and there to remain within the limits of the first society, by 
his giving bond with sufficient surety for his future good behavior. 
The bond taken by Jonathan Sturges and Thaddeus Burr, to whom he 
was delivered. 

The fore part of the day was occupied in writing letters to Gen. 
Washington and members of Congress. 

In Session, July 26. 
The fore part of the day was employed in preparing letters to head 
quarters, and to delegates at Congress ; and sent by Samuel Hunt, 
an express. 



472 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

Orders were given t^iol. John Ely, concerning ammunition carts, 
teams, tools, utensils, draught horses, pay master, commissary of ord- 
nance stores, muster master, artificers, magazines, Saybrook fort, &.C., 
as on file. 

In Session, July 28. 
Samuel Burrall, of Norwalk, was permitted to transport out of this 
State, 30 barrels of flour, and 50 bushels of rye, to Dartmouth, on 
board a boat, to be exchanged for West India goods. A like permit 
was given to Jesse Lockwood, of said Norwalk, for 30 barrels of 
flour, and 400 bushels of rye and corn, for the same place, and fur the 
same purpose. 

In Session, July 29. 

An order was given on the Treasurer to deliver 500 pounds of musket 
powder to the selectmen of Simsbury ; order delivered to Joseph Tul- 
ler, selectman. 

Capt. Cotton, of Middletown, came before the Governor and Coun. 
cil for advice in the difficulties he met with in building the continental 
ship, and for directions how to obtain needful moneys and provisions 
for said purpose ; who was heard and answered. 

David Trumbull was desired to send two teams to East Hartford, to 
bring to Lebanon, and to remain under his care, 500 stand of arms, or 
one-half the arms received (then) lately from Springfield, lodged in the 
hands of Capt. Russel Woodbridge ; and to send up by the same 
teams a set of tyre for a four wheel carriage, to the care of said 
Woodbridge, to be used by the selectmen of Hartford, for mounting a 
cannon brought from Windsor, in the care of the selectmen of Hart- 
ford. 

[In Session, July 30. 

An order was given on Capt. E. Bill, in favor of Thomas Mumford, 
Esq., for 235 gallons of rum, to be paid out of the State stores, for 
the same quantity borrowed of him ; with orders to give intelligence 
if he had any or could get any. 

Orders were given to the several brigadier generals, to put the mili- 
tia of the State in readiness to march, on the shortest notice, to any 
place attacked. 

At 5 o'clock, P. M. an express arrived at Lebanon, from head quar. 
ters, at Peekskill, with the intelligence that Gen. Washington had 
marched, with the main body of his army, to the southward, towards 
Philadelphia, expecting the British fleet had gone there ; and the troops 
at Peekskill apprehended the moving of the fleet was only a decoy, and 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 473 

that the return of the enemy might be expected, and an attack made 
upon their post in the absence of the American troops ; and required 
the mihtia, &;c. Upon which a despatch was sent to Springfield, to 
the committees of the States then in session there, for their advice, 
&c. ; and for ammunition to be furnished and forwarded from the labo- 
ratory at Springfield, to Peekskill, &c. Orders to the brigadier gene- 
rals had been given and Were renewed and enforced. 

In Session, July 31. 

A permit was given to James Church to ship 2 tons of flour, 200 
bushels of corn, and some onions, and 8 barrels of provisions, to Mas- 
sachusetts ; the barrels of provisions for the use of a vessel, &;c., and 
the remainder to exchange for salt. 

A permit was given to Charles Caldwell to ship and transport to 
Massachusetts, 7 tons of flour, on board the sloop Eleanor, Capt. Ben- 
jamin Horton, master, for Bedford, to purchase salt. 

Thomas Clark, of Nantucket, had a permit to transport to Massa- 
chusetts. 

In Session, August 1. 
A consultation was had on the subject matter of letters from Gen. 
Schuyler, and from the Convention of New York, requesting 2,000 
of the militia of this State, to join the continental forces at the north- 
ward, in order to repulse the progress of the enemy, and make an 
inroad in that part of the country. The whole day was spent in con- 
sultation on this subject, and the farther consideration deferred to the 
2d day of August. 

In Session, August 2. 

Barber, the post rider, returned from the States' committees met at 
Springfield ; then resumed the subject of yesterday's consultation. 

Seth Mayo, of Nantucket, was permitted to purchase 300 bushels of 
rye and corn in exchange for salt, to transport in his boat Fanny, to 
Nantucket. 

A letter was sent to Gen. Schuyler, by his own express, informing 
him of the determination of the Governor and Council, agreeable to 
their former proposal to forward troops to join the continental army at 
Peekskill, with the expectation that the army at the northward would 
be reinforced from'the continental troops at Peekskill, or more south- 
ern parts of the country ; which appeared to the Board would serve the 
common cause much better than to reinforce the northern army with 
militia, as well as on the account of the facility of the march, and the 
steadiness of the continental troops inured to service, which rendered 



474 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

them preferable to tl^^ilitia, who are ever impatient in a lengthy 
campaign. 

Mr. Andrew Huntington was directed to send one hogshead of New 
England rum, to the care of Ebenezer Ledyard, Esq., for the troops 
at Groton. 

Orders were given to Col. Ely, to remove the platform from the old 
fort in New London town, to fort Trumbull. 

Orders were given to Elderkin & Wales to send one ton of gun pow. 
der to Maj. Gen. Jabez Huntington, for the use of this State. 

Maj. Gen. Huntington was desired to send 150 pounds of musket 
powder, and 10 fire arms, (sent him from Windham,) to Capt. John 
Deshon, for the brig Defence ; and 500 pounds of musket powder, one- 
half to Maj. Saltonstall, and the other half to Maj. WiUiam Ledyard, 
for the use of the forts at New London and Groton. 

The Governor and Council confirmed an order drawn by the Gov- 
ernor, on Col. Pitkin or John Lawrence, for 200 pounds of powder, 
in favor of Col. Hamlin, for the miners at Middletown. 

Job Bartram was established captain ; David Wheeler, lieutenant, 
and Samuel Silliman, ensign of the 1st company of alarm list, in the 
4th regiment of militia in this State ; which were commissioned by the 
Governor. 

In Session, August 4. 
Many matters of a public nature were consulted by the Governor 
and Council, especially with regard to the movements of the enemy at 
the northward and westward. Those at the northward had penetrated 
the country as far as fort Edward ; and the fleet at the westward had 
arrived within the capes of Delaware, which called for our speedy 
and vigorous efforts to prevent their designs. 

In Session, August 5. 
This day was spent in preparing letters and sending expresses to 
Providence, Boston, &c., and giving information of the situation of the 
affairs of the army at the westward. Also consulted on various public 
matters, particularly on the necessity of calling the General Assembly 
to sit at Hartford, on the 2d Wednesday of August, 1777. 

In Session, August 6. 
A letter was received by Gen. Wadsworth from Brig. Gen. Silliman, 
which enclosed copies of letters from Gen. Parsons and Col. Root, to 
him ; also a copy of a letter from Gen. Washington to Gen. Putnam, 
which gave the information that the British had sailed out from the 
capes of Delaware in an eastern course, and desired the militia of 
Gen. Silliman's brigade to aid them. An express immediately after 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 475 

arrived with a letter from Peekskill, which contained the same infor- 
mation as the above ; also that the army at Peekskill were in reason, 
able apprehension of an attack at the Highlands, on the North" river. 
Gen. Silliman stated in his letter, that in consequence of the contents 
of the copies above, he had ordered the two northern regiments of his 
brigade, to immediately march to Peekskill ; also a detachment of Col. 
Enos' regiment in Fairfield county ; and one company of horse from 
the 3d regiment, and the whole of the 5th regiment, to march to the 
same place. All of which was approved by the Governor and Council. 

A letter was received by the Governor and Council from Brig. Gen. 
Oliver VVolcott, which stated that he had ordered all the effective men 
of Sheldon's horse, and Humphrey's regiment, who had not done a 
tour of duty under the (then) late act, and were by law liable to do 
duty out of the State, to march well armed, &c., and with four days 
provisions to Peekskill, to defend that post, which appeared to the 
enemy an object worth attaining ; which was approved by the Gov. 
ernor and Council. The Council to promote the march of the militia 
to Peekskill, gave orders to the pay table to draw on the Treasurer of 
this State, for £1,000 in favor of Gen. O. Wolcott ; and £1,000 in 
favor of Gen. G. S. Silliman ; £400 in favor of Gen. Erastus Wolcott, 
and £300 in favor of Gen. A. Ward, by them to be paid to the com- 
manding officers of the marching militia, from their respective brigades, 
towards Peekskill, for the purpose of advancing 18s. to each non-com. 
missioned officer and soldier, and the remainder to continue in said 
officers' hands to defray contingent charges of the march. The sum 
for Gen. O. Wolcott was forwarded by Mr. Sheldon, and the remainder 
by express. 

Orders were given to Gen. Erastus Wolcott to draft 400 men of his 
brigade, officered and equipped, to go on horse back to Peekskill. And 
like orders were given Gen. Ward to draft 300 men of his brigade for 
the same purpose. 

And it was resolved, that Brig. Gen. Andrew Ward, Jr., should 
take the command of the militia then sent to Peekskill. 

It was also resolved, to forward the 100 barrels of powder stored at 
Lebanon, to the care of Thomas Lewis, in Farmington, to be stored 
under a proper guard, until further orders from Gen. Washington, or 
the Governor and Council. An express was sent to Peekskill, to the 
general officers there, to inform them where said powder was deposited 
for their use if needed. 

Letters were sent to Generals E. Wolcott, Oliver Wolcott, Silliman, 
and Ward, with orders to draft men from their brigades as had been 



476 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

resolved, by the Gova^^- and Council. A letter was sent by the 
Governor and Council to Gen. Silliman, as follows, viz. : 

" State of Connecticut, by the Governor : To the Hon. Brigadier 
General Silliman. Yours of the 4th inst. I have before me, informing 
that you have given orders to your two northern regiments in your 
brigade ; a detachment from Col. Enos' battalion ; one troop of horse 
from the 3d regiment, and the whole of the 5th regiment of horse to 
march immediately to Peekskill, for the defence of that post, in conse- 
quence of letters received from Generals Washington and Parsons, <S&c., 
(which was approved.) Agreeable to your request, I have sent for- 
ward by a wagon a quantity of flints to Woodbury, to the care of 
Gideon Walker, Esq., August 6th, 1777." 

A permit was given to Thomas Wilkins to exchange some West 
India goods, for flour, butter, cheese, hog's lard, and flax, and export 
the same to Massachusetts. 

A permit was given to Mr. Jarvis to transport a quantity of flour to 
Bedford, to exchange for West India goods. Also a permit was given 
to Hezekiah Fenemour, captain of the schooner (Go and Come) to ship 
a quantity of lumber and poultry, and export the same to the French 
West Indies to purchase West India goods. 

In Session, August 7. 

Nathaniel Wales, 3d, was established captain ; Joseph Coy, lieuten- 
ant, and Ebenezer Bingham, ensign of the 1st company of alarm list, 
5th regiment ; commissioned August 7th. 

Daniel Brush, a resident of the State of New York, after a letter from 
Thomas Treadwell, as to his character, was read, and was released 
from any further restraint upon him by the Board. 

Mr. David Trumbull was directed to procure teams and convey 100 
barrels of continental gun powder from Lebanon to Farmington, to the 
care of Thomas Lewis, or farther as Gen. Washington might direct for 
the army ; and to procure a wagon, to go with the wagon purchased 
at Lebanon ; to remain in the service at the wages paid others, or re- 
turn ; and that the wagon at the direction of the Governor should be 
loaded with supplies, &c., for the troops from Connecticut, directed to 
the proper commissaries, which attended the army. 

A packet of letters were sent by the Governor to Peekskill, to Gen. 
Washington and others, by John Palmer, Esq. 

An order of £22 : 12 : 5 was drawn in favor of Maj. Gen. James 
Wadsworth, for a journey and expenses of himself and waiter, to fort 
Edward, on pubUc business, July 1st, 1777, as per his account. 

Mr. David Trumbull was desired to send by a team, 2 hogsheads of 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 4>77 

State's rum, in his hands, to Capt. Ephraim Bill, of Norwich, who 
was desired to receive it, and pay, or replace it to Thomas Mumford, 
Esq., of Gi'oton, (being 235 gallons of rum borrowed of him,) to observe 
the quality of the rum borrowed, and of that replaced, so as to do 
justice. 

In Session, August 8. 

Mr. David Trumbull was desired to procure a team, and send it to 
Bedford, in Massachusetts, and bring the flints imported by Capt. 
Deshon for this State, and as much of the Ticklinburgh duck and rig- 
ging imported at the same time, as M'ould make a load to Lebanon. 

It was resolved, that Messrs. Daniel Sherman and Benjamin Hun. 
tington, should be desired to give a bond with Capt. Daniel Deshon, in 
the sum of £ 1 ,000, that he as captain oi' the letter of marque brig, 
(called the Old Defence,) owned by this State, should fiiithfully execute 
his office and trust, according to the orders of Congress ; and the said 
Sherman and Huntington were to be indemnified by the State against 
all damages for so doing. 

An order was given on the pay table for £120, in favor of Lieut. 
William Seymour, of the artillery company at Norwalk, tow^ards his 
pay and wages, and of his company. 

Stephen Fish, of Nantucket, was permitted to exchange salt in this 
State, for 200 barrels of flour, 200 bushels of corn, 200 bushels of rye, 
and flax as much as he should want ; and transport the same to Nan- 
tucket, the embargo notwithstandiog. 

In Session, (at Hartford) August 16. 
Consulted on sundry matters. 

In Session, August 18. 

Capt. Chew applied to enlist a number of men from the forts, at 
New London, on board his brig Resistance ; which was refused, as 
the men could not be spared. 

It was voted, that Nathaniel Barnard, of Nantucket, and Gideon 
Delano, of Dartmouth, might exchange their small cargoes of salt, 
molasses, and rum in this State, for produce, and transport it to Mas- 
sachusetts. 

Gen. Silliman was directed to enquire into the suspected forgery of 
a permit from Gen. Jones, to the sloop Sally, to pass from New York 
to Rye, to carry off" some tories and their efiectsfrom said Rye, to New 
York. 

In Session, August 20. 
Capt. Allen Stillman was directed to store the salt in his hands, (the 
property of the State,) in a safe store, and deliver one bushel to Capt. 
01 



478 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

Ebenezer Grant, of E^PVVindsor, for supporting and for the use of 
the guard that kept. Gen. Prescott. 

Capt. Samuel Squire was directed to attend the vendue of prize 
goods at Fairfield, and to purchase such provisions as he could that 
would be useful to this State, as he should judge prudent. 

In Session, August 21. 

An order was given to James Church, to deliver to Dr. Joshua 
Elderkin the flax in his hands, owned by the State, not exceeding 
one ton. 

An order was given on Titus Hosmer, Esq., to deliver all the flax in 
his care, to Chauncey Whittlesey, Esq., to be manufactured for pub- 
lic use. 

An order was given on the pay table in favor of Col. Nathaniel 
Terry, for £19 : 3, for his trouble and expense for his bringing 36 
chests of fii'e arms from Springfield to Hartford. 

The order given to purchase provisions at vendue, in Fairfield, was 
countei'manded. 

Capt. Samuel Squire was directed to continue to supply the troops in 
service in this State, in Fairfield county, and to purchase clothing, dsc. 

The sheriff" of New London county was directed to make further 
and diligent search for sugar, &c., under his warrant to seize the same 
for public use ; and to take 10 hogsheads of sugar out of the whole. 

In Session, August 22. 

An order was drawn on the pay table for £658 : 10 : 2, in favor of 
J. Huntington, of Windham county, for rum and coffee, for persons 
imprisoned by him in that county, by order of the Governor and 
Council. 

An order was drawn in favor of David Trumbull, on the agent of 
the prizes of this State, in Massachusetts, to deliver him such quantities 
of the wines, tea, and clothing, brought in the prize taken by the ship 
Oliver Cromwell, as he could conveniently bring to Lebanon with his 
teams then going there. 

An order was given on Elderkin & Wales for 500 pounds of gun 
powder, in favor of Nathaniel Shaw, for the use of the brig Resistance. 

In Session, August 23. 
Jonathan Woodworth, prize master of brigantine Honor, bound from 
Dartmouth, in England, to Newfoundland, taken by the Oliver Crom- 
well, Seth Harding, Esq., commander, on the 8th of July, 1777, in 
latitude 45, longitude 34, had safely arrived at Dartmouth, in New 
England. He reported the cargo to the Governor and Council as 
folio*'. 3. viz. : 2 chests of tea, If* hogsheads of porter. 1 case of linens, 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 479 

8 barrels of pitch, 5 barrels of tar, 3 casks of leather and clothing, 
50,000 pounds of bread and flour, 2 tons of cordage, 2 pipes of port 
wine, 120 barrels of pork, 120 barrels of beef, and 180 firkins of butter. 

A letter was sent by the Governor and Council to Samuel Elliot, Jr., 
Esq., agent of this State, to inform him of said prize, at Dartmouth, 
and gave him instructions relating to it. 

An order was given to Ichabod Allen, of Sharon, to receive 18 cwt. 

3 qrs. 19 pounds of flour, at Dartmouth, a part of the said cargo, for a 

like quantity of said Allen, in the care of William Bull, of Hartford. 
A letter was written and forwarded to the Marine Board, respecting 

the continental ship-of-war, (then) building at Middletown, in this State, 

under the direction of Capt. John Cotton. 

In Session, August 23. 

James Bull was appointed to make provision for the militia ordered 
to march and join and assist the northern army ; was directed to save 
the hides and tallow of such cattle as he should purchase for said 
troops, for the use of the State ; and to take care that the hides should 
be kept from spoiling, and the tallow tried, and cause them to be trans- 
ported to Hartford, by the return teams and carriages that should go to 
transport the baggage of the troops to the army, unless he should find 
it best for the State to sell the same. 

An order Avas drawn on Capt. Allen Stillman, in favor of James 
Bull, for 10 bushels of salt owned by the State, for the use of the militia 
of the State, on their march to join the northern army. 

It was resolved, that orders be given to Marshfield Parsons, Esq., 
lieutenant colonel of the 3d regiment of militia in this State, to call out 
the militia of the town of Lyme, or such part of them from time to 
time, as should be thought necessary for the defence of said town 
against the incursion of the enemy on the sea coast, and to oi'der them 
as would be most effectual, «Stc. 

A letter was sent to Col. Ely, to order Capt. Collins, of his regiment, 
ordered to Lyme with his company, to return to New London. 

In Session, August 26. 

Dr. John Endicott was appointed surgeon to the battalion of militia 
under Col. Thaddeus Cook, ordered to the northern army, under the 
command of Gen. Gates. 

Nine barrels of flour in William Bull's hands were ordered sent to 
Saybrook, to Capt. John Cockran, to supply the guards there. 

The committee of pay table were ordered to settle the accounts ex- 
hibited to them for procuring, collecting, and making cartridges for the 
militia of the State, when ordered into service. 

Former warrants had been issued to the sheriffs of Hartford, New 



480 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

Haven, and New Lond^^buiities, to impress certain West India goods 
for the use of the .State, Mhich were suspended until further orders; 
and a resokition passed desiring the Governor to issue warrants and an 
order to the sherifis of Hartford, New Haven, New London, Fairfield, 
and Litchfield counties, directing them to propose to the merchants in 
the several counties, to furnisli the quantities of West India goods spe- 
cified herein, in proportion to such goods as they should have, at a 
reasonable price as said sherifis and merchants could agree, or as 
should be determined by two or three judicious freeholders elected by 
the parties ; and if said merchants should not voluntarily furnish said 
goods ; in such case said sherifis were ordered to im[)ress and take 
said quantities of West India goods in their respective counties, from 
any person in whose hands the same should be found, and have the 
same appraised by two or three judicious freeholders elected by the 
parties, or appointed by the next assistant or justice of the peace ; and 
to make returns of their doings. The quantities and kinds of West 
India goods to ba taken in the several counties were as follows, viz. : 
Hartford county, 10 hogsheads of rum, 20 of sugar, 40 of molasses, 
and 7,000 pounds of cofiee ; New Haven county, 4 hogsheads of rum, 
10 of sugar, 20 of molasses, and 3,000 pounds of coffee ; New Lon- 
don county, 6 hogsheads of rum, 10 of sugar, 20 of molasses, and 5,000 
povmds of coffee ; Fairfield county, 4 hogsheads of rum, G of sugar, and 
2,000 pounds of coffee ; Litchfield county, 4 hogsheads of rum, 6 of 
sugar, and 2,000 pounds of coffee. And it was provided, that in case 
the quantities aforesaid could be, and was supplied in manner aforesaid, 
that the suspended warrants should be recalled. 

Benjamin Payne, Esq., was ordered to deliver to Capt. Abner Prior, 
for the use of Col. Bradley's regiment, all the shoes of the State, in his 
possession. 

It was resolved, that the managers of Salisbury furnace, were em- 
powered and ordered to exchange the pig iron in their custody, owned 
by the State, so far as necessary, for rum, sugar, molasses, salt, provis- 
ions, and other necessaries, to enable them to carry on said furnace 
and continue the blast. 

It was voted for the time being, that 30 bushels of salt out of the 
salt at Hartford, imported by Capt. Allen Stillman, for the State ; 2 
hogsheads of molasses from Norwich, and 7 barrels of pork, (out of 
Thomas Mumford's pork in the hands of the commissary general,) 
should be sent to Salisbury, to the managers of the furnace. 

I^ Skssiox, August 27. 
The Governor was desired by the Council, to give orders to Col. 
William Worthington, and issue a warrant to enable him to reclaim a 
a certain whale boat of this State, taken by one Tryon, of Wethersfield, 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 481 

tVom Richard Dickinson, of Sa} brook ; and retain the other whale boat 
owned by the State, and use them in the State service. 

Dr. George Olcott was appointed physician and surgeon to the regi- 
ment of mihtia ordered to the northward, by the General Assembly, on 
the 13^1 of August, 1777. 

In Session, (at Lebanon,) August 29. 

A permit was given to Ebenezer Griffin, Jr., of Windham, to trans- 
port to Massachusetts or Providence, 10 head of fat cattle, 10 firkins 
of butter, and 2,000 pounds of cheese, in order to purchase salt and 
other West India goods. 

The day was spent on sundry matters of consequence in consultation. 

In Session, August 30. 

Complaint was made to Col. J. Lattimer, of the 3d regiment, that 
Elisha Fox, captain of the 13th company of militia in said regiment, 
had conducted badly in many respects ; that he was intemperate in 
the use of strong liquor ; had attempted to obtain a protection from 
Lord Howe, and unfriendly to the American States, and disobedient to 
his said colonel ; all which was laid before the Governor and Council. 
The Governor and Council suspended said Fox in his office, until the 
session of the Assembly, in October (then) next, and gave the command 
of said company to the lieutenant of said company. 

A number of letters were written to the Governor of Rhode Island, 
and to the General Assembly of Massachusetts, giving intelligence of 
the good news from fort Stanwix, as well as the doings of the Assem- 
bly with regard to raising militia for the northern department. 

David Luce, of Martha's Vineyard, had liberty to transport by water 
to said place, 20 barrels of rye flour, and 200 pounds of flax. Abisha 
Luce had liberty to transport to the same place, 12 barrels of rye flour, 
and 200 pounds of flax. 

In Session, September 1. 

The principal part of the day was spent in wTiting letters to Con- 
gress, and to the westward. 

Gen. Parsons came before the Governor and Council, and proposed 
the design of Gen. Putnam in an expedition to Long Island ; some 
consultation on the subject was had, and the further consideration 
deferred to the 2d of said September. 

In Session, September 2. 
A commission was given by the Governor, to Peter Griffing, as a 
captain of a company of rangers, to guard the sea coast, sound, and 



482 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

islands, on the coast^^this State ; to make prisoners of such as he 
should take in arms against the States. Instructions were given said 
Griffing ; and the Board approved of said commission, and the bond 
given for his faithful observance of his instructions. 

Orders were ^ent, in positive terms, to Lieut. Shipman, to afibrd the 
necessary assistance to Col. Worthington, in his expedition, and to 
suffer him to pass with boats, &c. by the fort at Saybrook, without 
molestation. 

In Session, September 4. 

Capt. George Chase, of Martha's Vineyard, had a permit to trans- 
port by water to the island, 12 barrels of flour, and 100 pounds of 
cheese. 

Orders were given to Capt. Jonathan Parker, in Col. Webb's regi- 
ment, in the continental service, by Gov. Trumbull, to enlist into any 
of the regiments of continental troops raised in Connecticut, any able 
bodied man for the term of three years or during the war, from the 
two battalions raised in this State for the defence of the sea coast and 
frontiers, under Col's. Enos and Ely, (with their £6 received as a 
premium,) as part of the £10 given by the State, to encourage the fill- 
ing of the continental army ; and the officers of said two regiments 
aforesaid were ordered to aid Capt. Parker, or any other officer recruit- 
ing, and affijrd all needed encouragement to enlist said recruits. 

An order was given to' the selectmen of Stamford, on Samuel Elliot, 
Jr., Esq., agent for Connecticut, for 30 bushels of salt owned by the 
State. 

In Session, September 5. 

An order was delivered to Maj. Hillhouse, on the pay table, for 
J£99, in favor of Capt. Jonathan Chester, of Groton, in full for lands 
deeded to the Governor and Company of Connecticut, for the use of 
the fort, at Groton, (£15 having been before paid to him.) 

An order of 19s. was given in favor of Ebenezer Bushnell, for sev- 
eral short journeys on public service. 

At this critical juncture, when the forces of the enemy were scat- 
tered, vigorous exertion was required to dislodge them from their posts, 
and prevent their future designs and operations, and rescue the couiitrj- 
from their hands ; every person who loved himself, his family, his 
country, and posterity, were called upon to exert themselves, and ex. 
cite others to accomplish so desirable an end. It was therefore resol- 
ved, that the two battalions raised in this State for the defence of the 
sea coasts, frontiers, dz;c., should be filled to the number of 728 men 
each, inclusive of officers. And to encourage men to enlist into said 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 483 

battalions agreeable to former enlistments, a bounty of £4 : 10, lawful 
money, with the same pay and wages, with the subsistence of others 
in said regiments, was offered, by furnishing themselves with arms and 
equipments, (Stc, as others before enlisted had done. And officers 
were sent out to procure such recruits, to complete the full complement 
for said companies. 

James Parker, of Barnstable, who was a prisoner of war in this 
State, and who had been forced into the King's service, was ordered 
discharged by the Governor. It had been represented that said Parker, 
who had been taken by Maj. Meigs, on Long Island, in the service of 
Great Britain, and held as a prisoner of war in Willington, in this 
State, was forced into said service against his will ; that he and his 
father were friendly to the States ; that he was destitute of clothes ; he 
therefore petitioned for liberty to return to said Barnstable, to his pa- 
rents. He was therefore discharged, and permitted to return home. 

Barnabas Payne, of Cornwall, was permitted to transport by land or 
water, 7 or 8 tons of wheat flour, to exchange for salt, in Massa- 
chusetts. 

In Session, September 6. 

An order was drawn on Capt. William Hubbard, for 8 barrels of 
pork, in favor of Edward Hallam, commissary of Col. Ely's regiment. 
Also an order on Andrew Huntington, for 1 hogshead of New Eng. 
land rum, to be delivered to said Hallam. 

Commissaries Fitch, Squire, and Hallam were ordered to reserve for 
the use of this State, the hides of the cattle butchered for the supply of 
the troops. 

An order was given to the overseers of the furnace, at Salisbury, in 
favor of Lieut. Aaron Hawley, of Newfield, for fifty 3 pound round 
shot, and 100 weight of grape shot. 

Joel Chamberlain was permitted to transport 2,000 pounds of cheese 
to Providence, in the State of Rhode Island. 

Capt. J. Elderkin and Andrew Huntington, were each of them or- 
dered to send a load of clothing to the commissary of supplies and re- 
freshments. 

In Session, September 8. 

Aaron Fuller was established a captain ; Thomas Goodell, lieuten- 
ant, and Samuel Bull, ensign of the 7th company in the alarm list, in 
the 21st regiment of militia. 

An order was given Capt. Cockran, on Capt. William Hubbard, for 
four barrels of pork. 



484 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777, 



ik Session, September 10. 
jrpTo 



dipt. Stephen Thorp; of Col. Enos' regiment, came before the Gov- 
ernor and Council, and offered to resign his commission, for the rea- 
son that his company was not full, and the command of so few men 
not superior to that of a lieutenant ; which was accepted. 

In Session, September 11. 
An order was drawn on the pay table for £56, in favor of Elisha 
Prior, of Groton, for one acre and a quarter of land, taken from him 
for the use of the fort at Groton. 

Ansel M. Helm, of Goshen, in the State of New York, was permit- 
ted to transport 5 hogsheads of sugar, by water, from Norwich to Fair- 
field, and thence by land to Goshen ; provided that Prosper Wetmore, 
sheriff of New London, had not seized the same, or any part thereof, 
for the use of this State ; and to endorse upon the permit, that said 
sheriff had no demands upon said sugar ; and if any, to certify what 
part, and the remainder to be carried to Goshen. 

Solomon Lee applied to the Governor and Council, and stated, that 
he had undertaken as a teamster for the State, and he was absent with 
his team, with a load of powder to Farmington, and on his return 
found he was detached to march with the troops in the 3d regiment of 
horse, to join the northern army ; M'hen he hired a substitute, and gave 
him 40s. per month more than his wages allowed ; and continued his 
business with his teaming to Providence uid Dartmouth, in the State's, 
and the United States' service ; and on his again returning home, on 
the 8th of September, 1777, found that his substitute, on a better offer 
from a man at Norwich, at 50s. per month, had engaged to go for 
him in said service ; and that his place was vacant, and the troops had 
marched ; and asked the Governor and Council, for these reasons, to 
excuse him from going after said troops. He was excused from the 
tour of duty. 

Nathaniel Bingham, of Canterbury, Mas appointed issuing commis- 
sary of supplies and refreshments to Col. Durkee's regiment, in the 
place of John Fitch, resigned. 

A permit was given to Capt. William Punchard, to ship from New 
Haven, on board his boat, to Massachusetts Bay, to exchange for salt, 
for the use of the inhabitants of this State, 5 barrels of wheat flour, 
25 barrels of rye flour, 10 barrels of beef, 150 bushels of rye and corn, 
400 pounds of cheese, and 300 pounds of flax. 

The Governor and Council had been informed, by Ensign John 
Smith, in Capt. E. Lathrop's company,' in Col. Lattimer's regiment, that 
several persons belonging to said regiment, who had been drafted to 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 485 

join said Lathrop's company in the northern army, had refused to 
march as ordered : —Therefore, the Governor, as Captain General, 
ordered Col. Abbott to convene such persons as had refused as afore- 
said, and hear and examine their reasons for such refusal, and with 
the advice of his lieutenant colonel and major to excuse such, whose 
reasons should be judged sufficient, and to assist said ensign, with 
sufficient guards, to carry to camp, those w'hose reasons should be 
found insufficient to excuse them, if such guards should be necessary. 
Capt. Christopher Mordenbrugh moved the Governor and Council for 
a flag of truce, to carry his family and his household furniture, &c., to 
St. Kitts. He was encouraged that his request should be granted. 

In Skssiox, September 12. 

Capt. Jabez Perkins, agent for the officers and' crew of the ship 
Oliver Cromwell, for the captor's part of the chest of bohea tea taken 
in a prize by said ship, and sent into Dartmouth, then in store at Leba- 
lion. It was resolved, that one-third part of the tea in said chest 
should be delivered to said agent, for the use of the captors, as part of 
their share in said prize. 

It was resolved, that each town in the State should be requested, as 
soon as might be, to convene and make provision as should appear 
best, to procure immediately, one shirt or more if they saw fit, either 
linen or woolen, one hunting shirt or frock, one pair of woolen over- 
halls, one or two pair of stockings, and one pair of shoes for each non- 
commissioned officer and soldier in the continental army, who belonged 
to such towns, and deliver the same to Elijah Hubbard and Royal 
Flint, superintending commissaries for this State, and by them dehvered 
to the issuing commissaries of the battahons of the continent, raised in 
Connecticut, and by them delivered to the non-commissioned officers 
and soldiers at the following prices, viz. : shoes at 8s. 6d. ; stockings 
at 6s. ; shirts, hunting frocks and overhalls, according to the quahty, 
in proportion to good yard wide tow cloth at 2s. 9d. per yard, one yard 
wide check or striped flannel at 3s. 6d. per yard. That the issuing 
commissaries pay into the treasury of the State, such sums as they 
should receive on the sale of said clothing ; and the selectmen of each 
town should transmit to the Assembly, in October, an account of said 
clothing delivered to said commissaries, and be paid for the same as 
said Assembly should determine. The towns to see the same properly 
packed and marked, with an invoice of the same. The boxes for Mr. 
Hubbard, to be sent to Middletown, and those for Mt. Flint, to Peeks- 
kill ; to be conveyed by the commissaries in carriages owned by the 
State, to the Connecticut battalions ; with liberty given to such as 
62 



486 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

■wished, to send to thei^Rends in the army, to put up sucli articles as 
they should think proper, and mark and direct the same, and put in the 
general package, to be delivered to whom directed. 

An order on the pay table was given in favor of Gen. Jabez Hun- 
tington, for money advanced by him, for the sum of £103 : 10 : 9. 

An order was drawn on the pay table in favor of Benjamin Hunting, 
ton, Esq., for sums advanced, and his trouble in settling Capt. William 
Coit's account, for the sum of £23 : 14 : 6. 

Maj. WiUiam Hillhouse produced a receipt of £13 : 10 for a horse 
and saddle sold, owned by a tory by the name of John Shepard, a 
transient person. 

In Session, September 13. 
Capt. John Deshon was ordered to send one half the salt which 
arrived in the sloop Catherine, at New London, to Mr. Andrew Hun- 
tington, at Norwich ; and to store the other half in some safe place in 
New London, and discharge the sloop. (The whole quantity of salt 
about 900 bushels.) 

In Session, September 19. 

It was voted, that 213 gallons of rum, the property of Martin Fos- 
borough, 55| gallons of rum, owned by Josiah Grant, Jr., and 108 
gallons owned by Thomas Sheldon, which had been seized by Lynd 
Lord, sheriff of Litchfield county, by a warrant dated the 25th day of 
August, 1777, for the use of this State, should be released to the 
owners. 

An order on the pay table was drawn in favor of Lynd Lord, Esq., 
for £100, towards the expense of the guard placed over Gov. Franklin, 
September 19, 1777. 

Mary Vose, a resident in Colchester, the wife of Henrj' Vose, of 
Nova Scotia, then a soldier in a continental battalion from Rhode 
Island, stated to the Governor and Council, that she Avas destitute of 
the means of subsistence ; that she had with her three sons of the same 
birth, nine months old, by the names of John Hancock, George Wash- 
ington, and Charles Lee. The Governor and Council sent a letter to 
the selectmen of Colchester, to provide said Mary all necessary sub- 
sistence, over and above her earnings and what might be provided by 
her husband, and lay their account before said Board. 

In Session, September 20. 
It was voted, that Mrs. Ketchum's family and furniture was permit- 
ted to be exchanged for Mrs. Ritchie, wife of William Ritchie, of the 
State of New York, and his familv, who were at Cow Neck, on Long 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 487 

Island, and her household furniture ; and Gen. SilUman was directed 
to send a flag of truce for that purpose, at the expense of Mrs. Ketchum 
and Mrs. Ritchie. 

Wilham Ritchie of the State of New York, was permitted to trans- 
port out of this State, by land or water, 13 hogsheads of rum. Also 
Peletiah Webster to transport 5,000 pounds of sugar to Pennsylvania. 
J. Huntington, sheriff, and Nathaniel Hubbard, gaoler at Windham, 
Windham county, exhibited their charges for the guard kept at the 
said gaol. The keeping the guard was approved, and referred to the 
pay table for settlement. 

Mr. David Trumbull was desired to pay Jabez Huntington, Esq., 
£658 : 10 : 2, out of the continental money in his hands, and receive of 
him an order draMn by the pay table committee on the 23d of August, 
1777, on the Treasurer of the State for that sum, endorsed over by 
said Huntington. 

It was voted, that the sum of j£9 : 17:7 should be paid by J. Hun. 
tiugton, Esq., to Thomas Lee and others, of Pomfret, for the interest of 
a suai due them from the State, for rum and coffee taken from them 
by warrants, for the use of the army. An order was drawn for the 
same. 

It was voted, that Gen. Sillimam should be directed to procure an 
exchange of Buchanan, Chadague, and one citizen to be furnished by 
the commissioner of prisoners in this State, for Samuel Parsons, Hudson 
English, and David Lyon, taken off by the enemy at Compo. 

It was voted, that an order be given to Messrs. Henshaw & Whiting 
to receive of Mr. David Trumbull, at his store in Bolton, 8 barrels of 

Expense of the Revolutionary War paid by Connecticut. 

Account expended by the State of Connecticut for carrying on the war of the 
Revolution, was 

£6,059,859 : 06 : 03|, equal to $20,199,531 05 

Paid to the State by the Gen. Government, 

£733,703:17:11, equal to $2,445,679 65 



^5,326,155 : 08 : 04| $17,753,851 40 

Leaving a balance in favor of the State at the close of the war, of seventeen 
millions seven hundred and fifty-three thousand eight hundred and fifty-one 
dollars and forty cents : from which take the State's quota, and the remainder 
was funded at 2i cents on the dollar. 

Mr. Huntington, the comptroller of this State in 1834, devoted three months 
at least, in ascertaining the amount above ; which computation does not include 
the immense expense borne by towns and individuals, which were never paid by 
the State or the United States. 



488 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

pork ; .111(1 to receive of ^ffjah Hvibbard, of Middletowii, 1 hogshead ol 
New England nun, for the furnace at Salisbury. 

David Trumbull was desired to send an ox team to Boston, to bring 
to Connecticut a hogshead of shoes, and such other articles as should 
be ordered. 

In Session, September 22. 

The brig Defence, in the poi't at Boston, was ordered to be rigged 
into a ship. 

Samuel Elhot, Jr., of Boston, agent for Connecticut, was ordered to 
provide sufficient spars, rigging, and duck, for rigging the brig Defence 
into a ship, (the property of this State.) 

In Session, September 23. 
The General Assembly, on the 13th day of August, 1777, resolved to 
raise a regiment by voluntary enlistment, to serve in the northern de- 
partment, or elsewhere ; and appointed Samuel McLellan, colonel ; 
Noah Phelps, lieutenant colonel ; and Bezalecl Beebe, major of said 
regiment ; and resolved, that the Governor and Council should have 
power to give all necessary orders for raising the same, if necessary, 
in the recess of the General Assembly. It was therefore resolved, by 
the Governor and Council, that one regiment should be. raised to serve 
in Rhode Island or parts adjacent, to consist of nine companies of 90 
men each, the officers included, to be commanded by the officers afore- 
said ; and to continue in service 31 days from the time they should 
arrive at the place of general rendezvous, unless sooner dismissed ; 
with the same wages, pay, &c., as were allowed to the continental 
troops raised in Connecticut ; and a bounty of 48s. allowed to non- 
commissioned officers and soldiers, if they provided themselves with 
blankets and knapsacks ; and a further bounty of 4s. to such as provi- 
ded themselves with cartouch boxes and bayonet belts. 

A permit was given to Benjamin Walworth, of Goshen, in the State 
of New York, to carry from Hartford to said Goshen, 36 bushels of 
salt he purchased at Martha's Vineyard. 

An order was given on Elderkin & Wales for 300 pounds of pow. 
der, to be delivered to the selectmen of New London, to supply the 
town stock, and the selectmen made accountable. 

In Session, September 24. 

Elizur Burnham, of Pittsfield, in Massachusetts, was permitted to 
transport from Norwich to said Pittsfield, one hogshead of West India 
rum. 

An order was drawn on Capt. Russel Woodbridge, to deliver to 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 489 

Maj. Samuel Nichols, of Philadelphia, 10 chests of continental arms in 
said Woodbridge's custody, brought from Springfield. 

David Trumbull, Esq., was desired to forward for the supply of the 
militia from Connecticut in the northern arni)^, 5 hogshead of New 
England rum, and so much sugar as would make loads for three ox 
teams, and deliver the same to Col's. Cook and Lattimer. 

Lieut. Col. Return Jonathan Meigs was appointed colonel of a regi- 
ment of continental troops raised in Connecticut, in the place of Col. 
William Douglass, deceased. (Certificate delivered to Maj. Holding.) 

The General Assembly had directed that a recruiting officer to enlist 
men for the continental army, and to take up and secure deserters, 
should be appointed in each of the brigades of militia in the State ; and 
directed the Governor and Council to appoint such officers, and affix 
their place of rendezvous for said recruits in each brigade. The Gov- 
ernor and Council therefore resolved, that Maj. James Lockwood was 
appointed a recruiting officer iu the limits of the 1st brigade, Capt. 
Miles Johnson in the 2d, Capt. Jeremiah Halsey in the 3d, Maj. Elijah 
Abell in the 4th, Maj. John Ripley in the 5th, and Maj. Bezaleel 
Beebe in the 6th brigade of militia in this State ; and that the town of 
Wethersfield, in the 1st brigade, • Wallihgford in the 2d, Preston in the 
3d, Fairfield in the 4th, Windham in tlie 5th, and Litchfield in the 6th, 
wei'e appointed the places of rendezvous in said brigades. 

Ix Skssiox, September 25. 

Col. John Ely was empowered by the Governor and Council, to 
raise a company of 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, and 50 non-commissioned 
officers and privates, to serve as watermen, and by land in the expedi- 
tion against Rhode Island ; with the same pay, subsistence, and refresh- 
ments as was allowed the continental troops raised in Connecticut, 
with 48s. bounty, for such as provided their own blankets and knap- 
sacks ; and 4s. for a gun and bayonet ; also 4s. for such as provided 
their own cartouch boxes and bayonet belts. 

It was voted, that a lieutenant and 24 privates, with other suitable 
officers, should be detached from the matross companies at New Lon- 
don and Groton, to proceed with the wrought iron field pieces, at Nor- 
wich, with suitable horses and harnesses, from New London to the 
State of Rhode Island, and to assist in the descent upon the island of 
Rhode Island, under the command of Col. John Ely ; and Col. Ely 
was ordered to make such detachment accordingly.. 

An order of £1,000 was given by the pay table on the Treasurer, 
in favor of Col. Ely, for the use of the regiment under his command. 

The Governor was desired by the Council to order the prisoners 



490 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

taken by Capt. Seth I^MWing, in the ship Oliver Cromwell, in the ser- 
vice of this State, in the prize ship Weymouth, and in the prize bri- 
gantine Honor, to be sent, under proper guards, to Connecticut and 
kept, to be disposed of for the redemption of the subjects of the State 
in the hands of the enemy. 

The Governor and Council approved of the conduct of Capt. Har- 
ding in discharging a part of the crew of the Oliver Cromwell. And 
the Governor and Council desired his Excellency to order Capt. Har- 
ding to discharge as many of the inarincrs and marines who belonged 
to said ship as could be conveniently spared, reserving enough to refit 
said ship, and prepare her for another cruise. His Excellency was 
also desired to order the Oliver Cromwell refitted, graved, and prepared 
for sea, with all convenient despatch. 

An order of £810 was drawn for Col. Samuel McLellan, to be by 
him delivered to the captains in the regiment then ordered to be raised 
under his command, and by said captains paid to the non-commissioned 
officers and soldiers who should enlist, at,20s. each, in advance. 

Seth Grosvenor was appointed captain ; Elisha Downer, 1st lieuten- 
ant ; Isaac Hyde, 2d lieutenant ; and Robert Sessions, ensign of a com- 
pany in a regiment then ordered to be raised, and under the command 
of Col. S. McLellan. 

Ebenezer Witter, Jr. was appointed captain ; Alpheus Chapman, 1st 
lieutenant ; Moses Porter, 2d lieutenant ; and Jonas Morgan, ensign of 
said company, under Col. McLellan. Also, William Lyon, captain ; 
Jacob Dresser, 1st lieutenant ; Isacher Bates, 2d lieutenant of another 
company. Also, Abner Robinson, captain ; Samuel Campbell, 1st lieu- 
tenant ; Joseph Coy, 2d lieutenant ; and Abijah Fuller, ensign of a 
company. Aaron Austin, captam ; James Clark, 1st lieutenant ; Titus 
Bunnel, 2d lieutenant. Isaac Gallup, captain ; Reuben Hewit, 1st 
lieutenant ; Libbeus Chapman, 2d lieutenant ; and George Gallup, en- 
sign. John Vaughan, captain ; John Tennant, 1st lieutenant ; Durius 
Waterman, 2d lieutenant ; and Abraham Bliss, ensign. Israel Con- 
verse, captain ; Oliver Hubbard, 1st lieutenant ; Timothy Wadsworth, 
2d lieutenant ; and John Lathrop, ensign. Amasa Mills, captain ; Abra- 
ham Wright, 1st lieutenant ; Benjamin Holcomb, 2d lieutenant ; and 
George Wolcott, ensign, in the companies in a battalion ordered raised 
under the command of Col. McLellan. 

. In Session, September 26. 
A permit was given to Dennis Sweeny, with two others, to pass 
through this State with 8 hogsheads of sugar, on the way to Philadel- 
phia, from Boston. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 491 

Jonathan Nichols, of Mansfield, was permitted to transport by land 
to Boston, 800 pounds of rye flour, 600 pounds of wheat flour, 400 
pounds of cheese, and 200 pounds of butter, to exchange for iron and 
steel. Also a permit given to Stephen Brigham, of Mansfield, to trans- 
port to Boston, to exchange for salt, 1 ton of wheat flour, 1 ton of rye 
flour, 1,400 pounds of cheese, and 600 pounds of butter. Also a 
permit given to Nathaniel Williams and Stephen Brigham, to drive to 
Boston 40 fat cattle, and 250 fat sheep. 

It was voted, that Maj. Gen. Huntington should be desired to cause 
to be made up 15,000 musket cartridges, fitted to the new French 
arms provided for the use of the continental army, and pack them in 
bunches of 18 cartridges each, and lodge them in some safe place in 
the town of Plainfield. 

The small arms from Springfield, then in Lebanon, were ordered 
examined, cleansed, repaired, branded, and fitted for immediate use. 

The selectmen of Milford, shewed the Governor and Council, that 
the company at the post at Milford, was destitute of a commissioned 
officer, and that more men were needed there. Therefore, Capt. Ben- 
jamin Hine was appointed to take the command at the fort at Milford, 
in the rank and pay of a lieutenant ; and to enUst six men in addition 
to the number then on duty there ; to continue in service until the 1st 
day of January, 1778 ; to keep up necessary guards, and employ the 
men in the fortification as constant as might be. 

Nehemiah Brainard was established captain ; William Smith, lieu- 
tenant ; and Nathan Tyler, ensign of the 3d alarm list company, in 
the 7th regiment of militia. 

Christopher Brown was established captain, and Joshua Whitford, 
ensign of the 6th military company, in Stonington, in the 8th regiment 
of militia. 

Elderkin & Wales were directed to deliver to Capt. Daniel Tyler, 
of Pomfret, 25 pounds of cannon powder, to prove the field pieces at 
said Pomfret. The order delivered to Uriah Holt. 

Brig. Gen. John Douglass was appointed to take the command of 
the troops raised, and ordered on an expedition to Rhode Island. 

In Session, September 27. 
A permit was granted to Andrew Craig, of Voluntown, to transport 
by land, to Bedford, in Massachusetts, 1 ton of cheese, and 500 pounds 
of butter, to exchange for salt. Also a permit was given to Benjamin 
Henshaw, to transport from this State to the West Indies, 40 barrels of 
flour, in the schooner Elizabeth. Also a permit was given to Thomas 
Lewis, of Norwich, to transport by land, to Providence, 70 bushels of 
.oats, to exchange for salt. 



492 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

Liberty was given ^^icnjamin Henshaw, to purchase of the man- 
agers of Salisbury furnace, G swivel guns for his own use. 

Elijah Hubbard, Esq., vi'as directed to deliver to Benjamin Henshaw, 
one hogshead of New England rum, for the use of the furnace at 
Salisbury. 

The Governor was desired by his Council, to give orders to Gen. 
Tyler, to detach from his brigade, 1 lieutenant colonel, 3 captains, 4 
lieutenants, 3 ensigns, and 330 men, including non-commissioned 
officers, to serve until the 15th day of November, 1777, unless sooner 
discharged. And to direct the lieutenant colonel, 2 captains, 2 lieuten- 
ants, and 2 ensigns, w'ith 200 men, with a proper proportion of non-com. 
missioned officers included, to take post in and about fort Trumbull, at 
New London ; 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, and 1 ensign, with 100 men, 
including non-commissioned officers, as aforesaid, to take post at 
Groton fort ; and 1 lieutenant, with 30 men, including officers as afore- 
said, to take post at Stonington ; and to direct the commanding officer 
to carry on the works at the fortifications at New London and Groton, 
in the best manner he could. 

Ebenezer Ledyard, Esq., was appointed to provide eight ox teams 
to transport the baggage of Col. Ely's regiment from Groton, to such 
part of Rhode Island as said Ledyard should direct ; and procure con- 
tinental provisions for them for 8 days, and if he could not otherwise 
provide for them, to call on Andrew Huntington, of Norwich. And 
Andrew Huntington was directed to deliver said provisions to said 
Ledyard, for the supply of said troops. Said Huntington w^as also 
desired to distil 20 hogsheads of the molasses in the custody of Capt. 
Perkins, owned by this State, into New England rum. 

In Session, September 29. 

Nathaniel Backus, Jonathan Lester, and Joshua Norman, of Nor- 
wich, with the consent of Capt. Robert Niles, commander of the armed 
schooner Spy, were appointed to appraise the sloop Dolphin and ap- 
purtenances, (then) lately taken by Capt. Niles, on a cruise on board 
said schooner against the British. 

John Ripley w'as appointed major of brigade, to the brigade under 
Brig. Gen. Douglass in the intended expedition to Rhode Island. 

In Session, September 30. 

Permission was given to Capt. William Coit, to transport by land, 
to the State of Massachusetts, 25 barrels of flour, and 8 or 10 fat oxen. 

It was voted, that Capt. Robert Niles' account for wages of his 
officers and crew of the armed schooner Spy, provisions, and repairs, 
6lc., should be referred to the committee of pay table for adjustment, 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 493 

&.€. Cupt. Niles had received of Mr. Shcrmun, '$750 out of $1,000 
granted by Congress, to be accounted for by Mr. Sherman. The last 
balance to said Niles was paid by an order on Prosper Wetmore, Esq., 
of New London, and one other order on said Wetmore for £100. 

The Governor with the advice of the Council of Safety, ordered 
John Shipman, Esq., lieutenant at the fort at Saybrook, to immediately 
raise by voluntary enlistment, 20 able bodied men, to serve as a guard 
at the fort at Saybrook, until the 30th day of November, 1777, unless 
sooner discharged ; to be entitled to the same wages, &c., as the con- 
tinental troops were ; and in case he could not raise them by enlist- 
ment, to advise the Governor thereof, that further orders might be had. 
The oi'der was sent to Col. Ely, and forwarded to Lieut. Shipman 
by him. 

Mr. Elhot was appointed surgeon's mate in the battalion under Col. 
John Ely. 

The Governor and Council approved of the orders of Gen. Silliman, 
for the marching of one-fourth part of the 4th and 9th regiments of 
militia, to rendezvous at Horse Neck, under the command of Col. John 
Mead and Maj. Abel, for the defence of the adjacent country. 

A permit was given to the selectmen of Norfolk, to transport to 
Boston, 2,000 pounds of flour, to be exchanged for salt. 

The Governor was desired by the Council, to issue orders to Brig. 
Gen. Erastus Wolcott, forthwith, to draft from the 1st brigade in the 
State, 300 able bodied men, including officers, and cause them to be 
well equipped, with arms, &c. And to issue orders to Brig. Gen. A. 
Ward, forthwith, to draft 300 like men, including proper officers, from 
the 2d brigade in this State, and cause them to be equipped, with arms* 
6cc. And the brigadier generals were directed to form them into one 
regiment, and give orders for them to march, with all convenient speed, 
to Peekskill, to act in conjunction with the continental troops under 
Maj. Gen. Putnam, for the defence of this and the United States ; 
to be held in said service two months after their arrival at Peekskill, 
unless sooner discharged. And Brig. Gen. Wolcott was to be directed 
to give orders to one colonel and one major in his brigade, to march 
with and take the command in said battalion. And that Gen. Ward 
should give orders to one lieutenant colonel of his brigade, to march 
with and take command as heutenant colonel of said battalion. 

Benjamin Huntington, Esq., was appointed to receive the journals of 
this Board, and to collect accounts of all the articles proper therefor, 
as soon as might be, and provide himself needful assistance. 

L\ Session, October 3. 
Sarg't. Ehhu Avery was appointed lieutenant fire worker in Maj. 
63 



494 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

William Ledyard's coin^Ry of artillery in the State service, instead of 
Lieut. Latham, deceased. 

Andrew Huntington, Esq., was directed to deliver one hogshead of 
New England rum to William Ledyard, Esq., commissary at Groton, 
and one hogshead of New England rum to Edward Hallam, at New 
London, for the troops there. 

It was resolved, that orders should be given to Brig. Gen. Douglass, 
to march on Monday (then) next, to Providence, and there put himself 
under the command of Maj. Gen. Spencer. (Order given October 
4th, 1777.) 

A resolution passed for Col. Ely's direction to march at the same 
time to the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, by the 
route directed by Gen. Spencer, and place himself and his regiment 
under Maj. Gen. Spencer. (Order given October 4th, 1777.) 

It was resolved, that the service of those who enlisted into Col. Mc- 
Lellan's regiment, should be considered to them as a tour of duty. 

A company of artillery of 34 men, including officers, were ordered 
to be raised within the 20th regiment of militia, in this State. The 
non-commissioned officers and privates to be raised by voluntary enlist, 
ment ; to exercise the field pieces, mounted on carriages in Norwich, 
and to manage them in case of invasion or attack by the enemy, and 
be subject to the orders of the Captain General, and their other superior 
officers, and the field officers of said regiment ; and excused from all 
other military duty while continued in said company. The Governor 
and Council to appoint the captain and lieutenant ; the other officers 
of said company to be appointed by the company, and to fill future 
vacancies also. Jacob Dewitt was appointed captain, and Isaac Abel 
was appointed lieutenant of said company. The Governor was desired 
to grant them their commissions, and give orders accordingly. 

Voted, to give an order on J. Lawrence, Esq., treasurer, for 500 
pounds of powder, to prove cannon at Salisbury furnace. Delivered to 
Mr. Henshaw. 

Voted, to give an order on Mr. David Trumbull, to deliver Benjamin 
Henshaw 5 barrels of pork, and-2 barrels of beef, for the same number 
delivered to the overseers of the furnace. 

David Trumbull was directed to deliver to Mr. Nathaniel" Wales, 
32^ pounds of ten penny nails, at a reasonable price. 

Orders were given to Brig. Gen's. Erastus Wolcott, Andrew Ward, 
and G. S. Silliman, to forward the detachments ordered from their 
brigades to Peekskill, under the command of Gen. Silliman, with all 
possible despatch, without regard to fines. Similar orders were given 
to the colonel commandant of Gen. Oliver Wolcott's brigade. The 
above orders were given by an application from Gen. Putnam, by Col. 
Root, who represented to the Governor and Council, the preparations 



JIEVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 495 

and disposition of the enemy at New York, to be such as threatened 
an attack upon them at Peekskill soon. (Orders were given to Col. 
McLellan as on file. 

In Session, October 4. 

Orders were given by the Governor, to Gen. Douglass and Col. Mc- 
Lellan, respecting their march to Gen. Spencer's head quarters. 

Benjamin Huntington was applied to by the sheriff and gaol keeper, 
John Barney, Jr., for flour to support the prisoners in gaol, and those 
taken by Capt. Seth Harding ; and stated they could not possibly obtain 
flour from the farmers ; and that the prisoners in gaol had suffered with 
hunger for want of bread ; and he had presumed to give an order on 
Elijah Lathrop, to deliver to said Barney, two barrels of the public 
flour in his hands, (as loaned to be replaced in a short time.) 

In Session, (at Hartford) October 13. 
David Trumbull was directed to settle the accounts and expenses of 
bringing into this State, Capt. William Judd, of the Antelope, Capt. 
Flinn, of the Weymouth, with the other prisoners taken in the Wey- 
mouth, by Capt. Harding in the ship Oliver Cromwell, and pay said 
expenses. And that said Trumbull should be reimbursed such sum as 
he should so pay, from the public treasury. 

In Session, October 15. 
Capt. Robert Niles was directed to borrow of Maj. Joshua Hunting, 
ton, a suitable stick for a mast for the sloop Dolphin, and a similar stick 
provided and delivered to said Huntington in return. 

The Governor was desired to give a letter of credit of £5,000 ster- 
ling, to purchase articles for the use of this State, agreeable to such in- 
structions as should be given Capt. Niles for that purpose. 

The committee of pay table were dii'ected to draw an order on the 
Treasurer of this State, in favor of Roger Sherman, Esq., for the sum 
of $750 ; which sum had been loaned at Philadelphia, April 5th, 1777, 
of said Sherman, by Capt. R. Niles, to purchase flour for this State. 

The managers of the Salisbury furnace were directed to hire eight 
teams for the use of said furnace, and pay for them as they should 
judge best for the State. Col. Charles Burrall was directed to order 
such guard as he should judge necessary for the security of the furnace 
at Salisbury, and to give such orders as should be necessary for their 
regulation and the security of the furnace, until further orders. 

Mr. David Trumbull was directed to deliver to the managers of 
Salisbury furnace, all the woolen cloth, and one half of the flannel and 
baize in his hands, taken by the vessels of war owned by this State, to 
be improved by said managers for the workmen at the furnace. The 



496 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

said n;ianngc3rs were iVu0/tv(\ lo cast a quantity of grapo sliot, at tlieir 
discretion. 

Benjamin Huntington, Esq., was directed to fit the schooner Spy, of 
this State, for sea. 

Zebediah Smith, of Norwich, was appointed Ueutenant and com. 
mander of the schooner Spy ; and was ordered to enhst a suitable 
number of seamen and marines for cruising in Long Island sound, and 
to take the command of said schooner and proceed on a cruise, until 
some person should be appointed captain of her. 

In Session", October 17. 

Orders Averc given to Gen. Erastus Wolcott, on the selectmen of 
Windsor, for 400 pounds of lead in their hands, owned by the State, to 
be made into cartridges ; and an order on Elderkin & Wales for 300 
pounds of gun powder, to be made into cartridges for his brigade. 

Jabez Hamlin and Titus Hosmer, Esq'rs., M^ere appointed by the 
Governor and Council to treat with Mrs. Mary Alsop and Mr. Nathan, 
iel Shailer, upon the terms on which they would sell or loan their gin 
still, worm and works in Chatham, and report to the Board. 

In Session, October 20. 
Ebenezer Jewit, of Norwich, was permitted to carry out of this 
State, one load of grain, to consist of one half oats, not to exceed £15, 
to purchase dye stuff. 

Capt. J. Perkins, of Norwich, was directed to pay to Benjamin 
Huntington, Esq., JEIOO of the public money in his hands, for advanced 
wages of the crew to be shipped on board the Spy, and other necessary 
purposes for fitting said schooner for sea. 

Capt. William Hubbard was directed to deliver to Benjamin Hun- 
tington, Esq., two barrels of pork said Hubbard owed the State, for the 
use of the schooner Spy. 

Mrs. Phebe Halsted was permitted to go to the city of New York 
with her family and effects, under the directions of the Governor. 
Mrs. Elizabeth F . . h, at Norwalk, was permitted to go to the city 
of New York ; also Sarah Cowdry was permitted to go to her parents, 
in the city of New York, to get her support, and remain there, under 
the directions of the Governor. 

Upon the petition of Capt. John Longstreet, Capt. Garrit Keating, 
John Barberiff, Capt. John Whrockmorton, William Patterson, Surgeon 
John Prolias, Ensign Charles Stockton, prisoners of war, prayed the 
Governor and Council for liberty for one of them to go to the city of 
New York, to procure clothing and other necessary articles for them, 
and procure an exchange of one of the United States' officers there, as 
the Governor might direct. It was voted, that either of said captains, 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. . 497 

as they should agree, might go to the city of New York for the pur- 
poses aforesaid, on his parole to return, and not give any intelligence, 
or prejudice the United States ; and that the captain who should go, 
should be at liberty to procure his exchange for Capt. Caleb Trow- 
bridge, of this State, then a prisoner at New York, under such direc 
lions as the Governor should give. 

In Session, October 22. 
Samuel Elliot, Jr., Esq., of Boston, in Massachusetts, was appointed 
agent for Connecticut, in all maratime affairs, vessels of war, and cap- 
tures of the enemy's vessels, &c., in Massachusetts. The Governor 
was desired to send him a commission for said purpose. 

In Session, October 23. 
Consulted about the gin distillery, as to the best method for the State 
to manage it, and adjourned. 

In Session, October 24. 

Voted, to refer the matter relative to taking the gin distillery into the 
use of the State, to the General Assembly. 

Voted, to refer the matter as to the two bolts of duck, taken from 
Mr. Saltonstall, for them to determine the price. 

Mr. Elijah Hubbard was directed to deliver to the overseers of the 
lead mines, 400 pounds of wheat flour, to replace what had been bor- 
rowed for the miners ; and to supply them with so much flour as they 
might need, to supply said miners. 

It was resolved, that John Lawrence, Esq., Treasurer of this State, 
should be directed to receive of Thomas Mumford, Esq., agent of the 
secret committee of Congress, the money for 8,640 pounds of gun 
powder, at 5s. 4d. per pound, in part of what this State loaned the 
United States at the request of Gen. Washington, when at Cambridge, 
in 1775-6. 

The Council consulted further on the subject of the distillery ; about 
the prisoners going to New York ; and with the commissary of conti- 
nental prisoners, about his erecting barracks in this State, for the pur- 
poses of the war. 

In Session, October 28. 
Several petitions for permits were referred to the General Assembly. 

In Session, October 29. 
Thomas Mumford, Esq. was directed to examine the state and cir- 
cumstances of a certain large prize ship, then in New London harbor, 
whether she was fit to be used as a prize ship, and if so, to treat with 



498 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

the owner of her, foriJPpurchase or hire of her for that purpose ; get 
his terms, and report to the Board, with his opinion of the ship, as 
soon as might be. 

In Session, October 30. 

An order was drawn in favor of Maj. Nathaniel Saltonstall, for 
£300, for the matross company under his command. 

Elderkin & Wales were requested to send 500 pounds of powder to 
the care of Gen. Huntington ; 300 pounds for N. Saltonstall, and 200 
pounds for Maj. William Ledyard, for the use of the forts at New 
London and Groton. 

Capt. John Barnes, of Middletown, was appointed an issuing com- 
missary for this State. 

Benjamin Huntington, Esq. was appointed to settle the expense that 
had arisen on the sloop Dolphin, taken by Capt. Robert Niles, viz. : 
the expense of the trial and otherwise, and the cargo of wood, and 
what was due the captors, and whether an appeal had been taken, and 
report to the Governor and Council. 

It was voted, that the following towns should have orders to receive 
their proportions of State salt, at Dartmouth, viz. : New Haven, 138 
bushels ; Milford, 35 ; Branford, 34 ; Guilford, 48 ; Killingworth, 33 ; 
Saybrook, 44 ; Lyme, 68 bushels. 

Edward Hallam, commissary of our troops stationed at New Lon- 
don, had liberty to receive 20 bushels of the State salt, in the store of 
Capt. Deshon, at New London, for the use of said troops. 

The Governor gave an order to the selectmen of Norfolk, on Doo- 
little & Co., for 100 pounds of musket powder. (Order delivered to 
Mr. Walter.) 

In Session, October 31. 
An order was given to the selectmen of Norwalk, to receive of 
Samuel Elliot, Jr., 73 bushels of State salt, at Dartmouth. An order 
also to the selectmen of Greenwich, for 46| bushels of salt, to be re- 
ceived at Dartmouth, of Mr. Elliot. The two last orders were deliver, 
ered to Col. Davenport. The orders for Branford and New Haven, 
were delivered to Roger Sherman, Esq., with an order for the select, 
men in each case to pay storage. 

In Session, November 3. 

It was resolved, that at least one-half of the cannon at the foundry, 

at Salisbury, should be exchanged for West India goods, cloths, or 

other imported articles necessary for the army ; and the remainder in 

bills of credit of this State or the United States. The cannon to be 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 499 

sold at the price sold for last year, and the articles received in pay- 
ment at the prices fixed by l4w. 

The Treasurer of the State was ordered to deliver to the overseers 
of the cannon foundry, at Salisbury, 400 pounds of cannon powder, 
for use there. 

The overseers of the cannon foundry, at Salisbury, were ordered 
not to dispose of any more pig iron than what they had engaged, unless 
on special orders given. 

Mrs. GUn, the wife of the (then) late contractor, was permitted to 
go to New York in a flag ship ; and Peggy, the wife of Mr. Henry, 
and her two children ; and Polly Bane and three children, were per- 
mitted to return, to New York in flags, and the Governor was desired 
to give necessary orders. 

In Session, November 4. 

An order was given in favor of Ebenezer Ledyard, Esq., commis. 
sary to provide for the troops at Groton, for the sum of £1,500, lawful 
money, to provide for said troops ; with an order to receive 15 bushels 
of salt of Capt. Deshon. 

It was resolved, that Col. Marshfield Parsons should be directed to 
dismiss the militia under his command, stationed at New London and 
Groton, and parts adjacent, as soon as Col. Ely should return with his 
regiment to their post. And the Governor was desired to give said 
order. 

It was voted, that the Governor should be desired to give liberty to 
such persons of other States, to trade by water in small boats, in salt 
and other necessaries wanted in this State, for the produce of this 
State, that the Governor should think could be reasonably spared, at 
legal prices. 

An order was delivered by the pay table, in favor of Ebenezer Led- 
yard, Esq., to Jonathan Led3'ard, for £1,500; and another on Capt. 
Deshon, for 15 bushels of salt. 

An order was sent by Jonathan Ledyard, to Lieut. Col. Marshfield 
Parsons, to disband the militia under his command. 

The committee of pay table were ordered to liquidate the account 
for postage of the Governor for letters, &c. ; and draw on the Treas- 
urer for the same in favor of the post master. 

It was represented to the Board, by a deputy commissary of prison- 
ers for the United States, that there was a convenient place at Enfield, 
in this State, for keeping continental prisoners of war ; that he could 
procure of Isaac Kibbe, a convenient house and land for that purpose, 
which would require some barracks and a yard to enclose it, with 



^„ 



500 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

pickets ; and wished a^0t.e of the Governor and Council. The Gov- 
crnor and Council were of opinion that the place was a proper place 
for said purpose, as pine boards and timber were near, and approved 
of the object. 

In Session, November 5. 

It was voted, that the committee of pay table should settle the account 
of Capt. Ebenezer Bartrani, for the balance due him for his service on 
board the Brig Defence, according to the common usage, and draw on 
the Treasurer of the State for the balance. 

Lieut. Col. Thomas Seymour, of the light horse, in this State, was 
directed by the Governor and Council to send forward twelve of the 
light horse of the 1st regiment of light horse, with a proper officer, to 
Gen. Parsons, to be under his command for the term of two months. 

The pay table were directed to settle with Elderkin &. Wales for 
guarding the magazine of powder and salt petre, at Windham, at 12s. 
per day from the 9th of June, 1777, to the oth of November, 1777 ; 
and draw on the Treasurer of the State for the balance. 

Nathaniel Hubbard was allowed £18:7: 3^ for the balance for sup- 
porting John Shepard in gaol. 

An order was drawn in favor of John Trumbull, printer, for £10: 1 
for the balance of his account for printing for the State. 

Capt. Isaac Bidwell, of Farmington, was permitted to carry to the 
State of New York, 20 bushels of salt, to exchange for iron. 

The committee of pay table were directed to settle the account of 
Capt. Seth Harding, for the officers and crew onboard the ship Oliver 
Cromwell, owned by the State, and to draw on the State Treasurer for 
the balance due said Harding and crew. 

Alexander Cutler, of Litchfield, was permitted to carry out of this 
State, butter and cheese sufficient to purchase three tons of iron, for the 
use of the inhabitants of this State. 

It was voted, (on the 4th of November) that Maj. Gen. Jabez Hun- 
tington, Brig. Gen. Erastus Wolcott, and Nathaniel Wales, Jr., Esq., 
were appointed to repair to Providence, in Rhode Island, and there 
join such gentlemen as should be appointed by the States of Massa- 
chusetts and Rhode Island, to enquire into the reasons and causes of 
the failure of the expedition formed against the island of Rhode Islandj 
agreeable to the request of Maj. Gen. Spencer in his letters to the 
Governor, and make their report to the Governor. (Commissioned by 
the Governor. ) 

Col. Joseph Trumbull was appointed commissary general of this 
State, to purchase beef and pork for the use of the State ; provided, if 



REVOLUTIONARY AVAR, 1777. 501 

he did not undcrtiike the duty before the Council should meet, the Gov- 
ernor was desired to appoint some other person. 

An order was given to Chauncey Whittlesey of j£33 : 5 : 10, for his 
balance as commissary to provide clothing. 

The commissary general of this State, was directed to purchase 
salt, dec, for putting up provisions, under such directions as the Gov- 
ernor and Council should give. 

Gen. Jabez Huntington was appointed to import clothing, &c., under 
the direction of the Governor and Council. 

Elijah Hubbard, Esq., was appointed agent for this State, and directed 
to purchase rye, and receive the gin, and superintend the distillery at 
Chatham, in behalf of the State, under the direction of the Governor 
and Council. 

The several sheriffs in this State, viz. : WiHiams, Wetmore, Fitch, 
Abel, and Lord, were directed to release such articles of West India 
goods as they had taken, and had in their hands by virtue of warrants 
from the Governor, for the use of the State. 

Thomas Mumford, Esq., (on the 24th of November, 1777,) was per- 
mitted to Jransport 50 barrels of flour and 800 pounds of bacon, to 
Isaac Apes, in the West Indies. 

In Session, (at Lebanon,) November 18. 

Orders were,sent to Gen. Silhman, by the Governor and Council to 
detach, and send forward to join Maj. Gen. Putnam, out of Silliman's 
Brigade, 200 men, properly officered, with one colonel from said 
brigade. Also, like orders to Gen. Oliver Wolcott, to send from his 
brigade the same number, properly officered, with one major. A like 
order to Gen. Andrew Ward, Jr., to send 200 men from his brigade, 
properly officered, and a lieutenant colonel ; all to join Gen. Putnam, 
and be subject to his command ; to serve for two months from the time 
they should arrive on the ground, unless sooner dismissed. A letter 
was sent to each of said brigadier generals enclosing said orders, which 
directed said brigadier generals to order said men so to be raised, and 
to join in and form one regiment, and march immediately and join Gen. 
Putnam. (Orders sent by Col. William Pitkin.) 

The Governor and Council sent orders to Col. Ely, forthwith to 
march with his regiment, (except Lieut. Shipman,) officered as when 
he marched to Providence, and join Maj. Gen. Putnam, and be under 
his command until further orders ; with orders to commissary Hallam 
to provide such carriages as Col. Ely should wish to convey said regi- 
ment's baggage, by land or water, as said Ely should direct. (Orders 
sent by Lieut. Angel.) 

64 



502 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

Orders were seat bj^Bfe Governor and Council to Gen. Tyler, to 
send from his brigade, (by draft,) 115 men without delay, properly 
officered and equipped ; 50 men to be stationed at the New London 
posts, 30 men at the post at Groton, 20 men at Stonington, and 15 men 
to guard at Lyme ; to serve two months from the time of their arrival 
at their several posts. 

In Session, November 25. 
An order was given to the selectmen of Groton, to receive at Dart- 
mouth, in Massachusetts, 58 bushels of (State) salt, by their paying 
the storage. 

In Session, November 27. 

It was resolved, that Ensign Seth Miner, and the 15 men ordered 
by Gen. Tyler to keep guard at Lyme, be dismissed from said service ; 
and that the selectmen ot said Lyme should raise a guard when needed. 

It was resolved, that Col. Henry Champion was appointed to put up 
with salt 1,000 barrels of pork for this State ; and to employ such per- 
sons to assist him as he should judge necessary. 

Voted, to draw an order on the pay table in favor of Col. Henry 
Champion, for £8,000 lawful money, to purchase pork for this State. 

It was voted, to draw an order on William Bull, of Hartford, or the 
store keeper at Hartford, to deliver the salt of this State, in their hands, 
to Col. Champion, for salting pork for this State. 

In Session, November 28. 
Permits were given to Chara Coleman, William Chadwick, Riley 
Cogswell, Thomas Clark, Pierce Gardner, &;c., to dispose of their 
cargoes of salt. 

In Session, November 29. 

A permit was granted to Maj. Clift, of Plainfield, and Oliver Coit, 
of Preston, to sell 19 or 20 fat cattle, agreeable to the laws of the State. 

The committee of pay table were directed to draw an order in favor 
of Capt. Jabez Perkins, for £490 : 13 ;2, the sum due him as agent 
for the captors of the sloop Dolphin, taken by the schooiler Spy. 

The account exhibited to the Governor and Council by Capt. Per- 
kins, agent for the captors of the sloop Dolphin, taken by Capt. Niles. 
The sloop Dolphin sold for .... £1,000:00:00 
Sundries sold by Capt. Niles, - . . - 6 : 08 : 08 

£1,006:08:08 
Court fees paid by said Perkuis in the case of the Dolphin, £25 : 2 : 4. 
Belonging one half to the State, £981 : 6 : 4, being £1,006 : 13 : 2. 
Connecticut purchased said sloop Dolphin at £1,000. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 503 

The account of Andrew Huntington, for services done the State, 
and for clothing and other necessaries purchased as commissary for 
the State, for the use of the soldiers of the continental army, were 
ordered settled by the pay table, and to draw on the Treasurer for the 
balance, and charge the United States for such part as was purchased 
for their use. 

It was voted, that Col. Joseph Trumbull should be desired to pur- 
chase in Massachusetts and elsewhere, blankets and other coarse 
woolens, linens, stockings, shoes, and hats, for the use of this State, to 
supply the continental army, to the amount of £5,000, at the best rates 
he could, and forward the same to this State. Also to make diligent 
enquiry at what rate he should be able to purchase any quantities of 
like goods, not exceeding the sum of £10,000. Also to enquire after 
bills of exchange on France or Carolina, the rate of exchange ; to 
apply to Samuel Elliot, Jr., Esq., for his account with the State ; to 
advise relating to the two vessels of war, the Oliver Cromwell and 
Defence, of their situation and circumstances ; and order the Defence 
rigged for a ship ; and advise the Governor and Council thereof by 
express, or otherwise, and observe their further orders. 

Mr. David Trumbull was appointed by the Governor and Council, to 
purchase and put up 300 barrels of pork, and 100 barrels of beef, for 
this State. The pork and beef to be barreled at or near Roxbury, with 
salt owned by this State, for the use of said State, on the best terms he 
should be able. 

An order was drawn on the pay table in favor of Col. Joseph Trum- 
bull, for £5,000 to purchase blankets, coarse woolens, linens, stockings, 
shoes, and hats for the State, to supply the continental army. (Order 
delivered Col. Trumbull, December 1st. 

Is Session, December 1. 

An order was given to the selectmen of New London, to receive of 
Josiah Elliot, at Bedford, 98 bushels of salt. 

An order was given to the selectmen of Stonington, to receive of 
Josiah Elliot, at Bedford, 90 bushels of salt. (Order delivered to Wil. 
liam VVoodbridge.) 

A permit was granted to Elisha Scovil, to transport from any part 
of this State, four horse loads of salt, 20 yards of plain cloth, and 20 
yards of flannel, to Westmoreland, for the inhabitants there. 

In Session, December 2. 
A permit was given to Hezekiah Crowell, to sell or exchange 12 
barrels of oil, 30 quintals of cod fish, 250 kegs of lamp black, and 145 
bushels of salt, in this State. 



504 RF,V0r.UTI(3NARY WAR, 1777. 

Prepared and forwarder despatches to Congress, and Gen. Wash- 
ington. 

In Session, December 3. 

An order was given Capt. Samuel Mattocks, to receive of Col. Jere- 
miah VVadsworth, a piece of woolen cloth in his custody, for the conti- 
nental army. And to receive of Mr. Payne, the various articles of 
clothing in his care, taken from Peleg Hyde, of Norwich, for the use of 
said army. Also, to deliver the clothing referred to above, to the sol- 
diers according to appraisal, and take their receipts, and deliver them 
to the pay masters of regiments, or their respective captains. 

Rowland Luce, of Rochester, was permitted to sell or exchange at 
a reasonable rate, 55 bushels of salt, 5| gallons of rum, and 1 quintal 
of codfish, for money, flour, beef, pork, butter, cheese, or grain. 

In Session, December 4. 
It was voted, that the Governor be desired to cause the resolutions 
of Congress of the 1st of November, 1777, recommending the 18th day 
of December, 1777, to be observed as a day of public thanksgiving 
through the United States, to be published, with a recommendation of a 
due observance thereof in this State. (Sent the proclamation to Mr. 
Green, to print.) 

A letter was sent to Mr. Shaw, to effect an exchange of Lieut. 
Otway, for Capt. Palmer, and WilHam Brooks, midshipman, and ahoy, 
for proper persons. 

An order was given to the selectmen of Lyme, to receive of Josiah 
Elliot, at Bedford, 68 bushels of salt. 

Capt. Gideon Olmsted, of Hartford, was permitted to transport on 
board the sloop Sea Flower, 40 shoats to Martinico. 

A permit was given to Aaron Olmsted, of Hartford, to sell 2 hogs- 
heads of rum, 1 hogshead of sugar, 100 pounds of chocolate, and 100 
pounds of coffee. 

Stone Mills had permission to drive out of this State, 40 head of fat 
and lean cattle, to Massachusetts. 

Joshua Robins, of Tolland, was permitted to transport by land, to 
Massachusetts, 1 firkin of butter, 600 pounds of cheese, 1,000 pounds 
of pork, and 1 ton of flour, to be exchanged for iron and salt. 

An order was given to the selectmen of Norwich, to receive of 
Josiah Elliot, at Bedford, 122 bushels of salt, owned by this State. 

Permission was given to Capt. Sylvanus Waterman, to go to Jamaica, 
to transact his mercantile business, (on parole.) 

A permit was given to Thomas Coffin, of Martha's Vineyard, to sell 
or exchange 28 bushels of salt, 3 cwt. 3 qrs. and 14 pounds of sugar, 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 505 

5 barrels of liver oil, 14 gallons of rum, 25 pounds of wool, 6 pair of 
stockings, and 6 pair of mittens — for 12 barrels of flour, 4 barrels of 
pork, 1 firkin of butter, 400 pounds of cheese, 1 hogshead of tallow, 
and 20 bushels of corn. 

It was resolved, that Mr. Elijah Hubbard should forward, with the 
utmost despatch, the clothing provided by the towns for the soldiers of 
this State, in the continental army. And immediately send a person, 
by him appointed, to the several stores where said clothing had been 
lodged, and direct them to forward the same with the utmost despatch 
to the issuing commissaries to the respective regiments, to be by them 
delivered to the soldiers of the respective towns, from whence such 
clothing should be sent, under former orders. And that there should 
be one or more persons appointed in each county, employed forthwith, 
to apply to the selectmen or committee of clothing in each town, and 
cauge to be immediately collected in such town, the various articles of 
clothing provided ; and the transportation paid by this State, of such 
articles to the army as they might think best to send on pack horses or 
otherwise, at the san)e rate as articles sent by the commissary. And 
in case of neglect or refusal of such selectmen or committee to trans- 
port such clothing, the persons aforesaid appointed were to send said 
clothes to Middletown, or other place, as commissary Hubbard should 
appoint, and by him to be sent immediately to the army. Roger 
Hooker on the west side of Connecticut river, and Elijah White on the 
east side of said river. In the county of Hartford, Thomas Seymour. 
In the county of New Haven, Capt. John Cockran, on the west of said 
river, and Capt. Nehemiah Waterman, Jr., on the east side of said 
river in New London county. William Hawley, Esq., in Fairfield 
county. Subaiel Abbe in the county of Windham, and Alexander 
Catlin in the county of Litchfield, were appointed for the purposes 
mentioned aforesaid, with power given to each of them to appoint suit- 
able persons under them, if needed, to assist them. 

ly Session, December 5. 

David Trumbull was directed to exchange beef and pork, at Boston, 
for such quantity of salt as should be required to put up the provisions 
he was ordered to salt in barrels for this State, for victualing our navy 
there, if said exchange could be made on reasonable terms. 

The Governor was desired to draw an order in favor of Maj. Na- 
thaniel Ruggles, of Roxbury, (near Boston,) on Samuel Elliot, Jr., 
agent for Connecticut, at Boston, for 300 bushels of salt, owned by 
this State, for the purpose of curing provisions for the armed vessels 



506 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

owned by this State, (^Ri) fitting out at Boston, if said salt could not 
be procured by barter. 

David Trumbull was directed to pay the expense of returning the 
teams owned by the State, from New London to Lebanon, being £4. 

The Governor and Council appointed Andrew Adams, Esq, to en- 
quire into the right of the use and improvement of the lot and barn, 
Col. Joshua Porter occupied, owned by Mr. Richard Smith, the owner 
of the furnace, lands, and appurtenances, at Salisbury ; and the matters 
in dispute between Col. Porter and the managers of said furnace, in 
behalf of this State, and report to the Governor and Council. 

Col. Champion had an order on the store keeper of salt, (owned by 
this State,) at New London, for 200 bushels of salt to cure provisions 
for the State. Order delivered to Joel Jones. 

Nathaniel Hovey, Jr., of Windham, was permitted to transport by 
land, to Rhode Island, 40 bushels of corn, 20 bushels of wheat, 30 
bushels of rye, and 20 bushels of oats, to exchange for iron. 

Capt. Perkins was directed to receive a box of tea, brought from 
Bedford to Lebanon, as though he had received it at Bedford, and a 
small quantity of green tea, from Boston to Lebanon, as though he 
had received it at Boston. 

The ships of war, Oliver Cromwell and Defence, then in Boston 
harbor, were ordered to be immediately fitted out on a cruise against 
the British. And the captains of said ships of war were directed to 
enlist their crews, with all convenient speed, in order to proceed on 
their cruises. The officers, marines, and seamen on board said ships, 
while in said service, to be under the rules, orders, &c. prescribed by 
Congress for the continental navy, relative to the government of said 
ships, and the officers, marines, and seamen on board the same. And 
the officers, seamen, and marines, besides the provisions and their stip- 
ulated pay and wages, after all other necessary expenses were dischar- 
ged, should be entitled to a division of one-half of all their captures, 
whether ships of war armed, or other vessels, their cargoes and appur- 
tenances, legally condemned as lawful prizes, made agreeable to the 
rules and directions given by Congress ; and the other half to belong to 
this State. 

In Session, December 6. 
Timothy Parker, of Norwich, was appointed captain of the ship 
Oliver Cromwell, of this State ; and the Governor desired to commis- 
sion him as such. John Chapman, of New London, was appointed 
1st lieutenant of said ship, under Capt. Parker. John Smith, of Hart- 
ford, was appointed 2d lieutenant of said ship. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 507 

The pay table were directed to draw on the Treasurer of the State, 
in favor of William Lax, for £35 : 9, for services due him. 

In Session, December 8. 

A letter was received from Gen. Parsons, and answered. Also a 
letter from Congress by express. 

Wrote to Gen. Putnam, wishing the raw hides sent to this State, for 
shoes for the soldiers in the continental army. 

A permit was given Zachariah Gardiner, of Nantucket, to exchange 
in this State 133i gallons of rum, 1 hogshead of molasses, 13 bushels 
of salt, and 1 barrel of sugar — for flour, corn, beef, pork, flax seed, 
flax, 200 pounds of cheese, and 60 pounds of butter. 

An order was drawn in favor of Capt. John Skinner, of Hartford, 
for £30, lawful money, to send to the detachment of light-horse from 
his company, in service with Gen. Parsons. 

Capt. Parker received his commission, and a form for enlistment. 

In Session, December 9. 
Several matters agitated. 

In Session, December 10. 

A flag of truce was granted for the exchange of John Tully, a pri- 
soner of war, for John Smith, of Haddam, at New York, to be trans- 
acted by Aaron Isaacs. 

The Governor was desired to write to Messrs. Otis & Andrews, of 
Boston, to deliver Col. Joseph Trumbull, continental clothing in their 
hands, to clothe 4,000 men, with trimmings — crimson, scarlet, bufi*, or 
light colors for lappels for the same, and take Col. Trumbull's receipt 
therefor ; to get the same made up and transported to the army, and 
delivered to the clothier general, or to the soldiers of this State, as 
Gen. Washington should direct. Also to apply to said Otis & An- 
drews for a proportion of blankets, shirts, caps, shoes, and stockings, 
to be forwarded as aforesaid. It was also voted, that Col. J. Trumbull 
was empowered to apply to said Otis &; Andrews, commissaries to 
purchase clothing for the continental army, and receive from them 
clothing sufficient for 4,000 men, and give his receipt therefor, and 
forward the same to Connecticut, by the teams sent to Boston for that 
purpose. And he was directed to cause said clothing to be made as 
soon as might be ; and for the purpose of expeditmg said business, to 
distribute said clothing to as many towns in this State as should be 
necessary to have it speedily made ; and when made, to forward the 
same to the clothier general, or to the issuing commissaries of the 
respective regiments which belonged to this State, for the use of the 



508 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 

non-commissioned of^^s and soldiers in the continental service, en- 
listed for three years, or during the war, as Gen. Washington should 
direct ; and to make up their accounts of the expense of making and 
transporting, and apply to said commissaries for payment. 

David Trumbull was directed to procure and send to Boston, 20 ox 
or horse teams, with carts or sleds to fetch such clothing as Col. J. 
Trumbull had to send to this State, and delivered in such places as J. 
Trumbull should direct ; and to load such teams with salt iti the hands 
of S. Elliot, Jr., as should not be needed for transporting said clothing. 

George West was permitted to exchange a quantity of salt, rum, 
wool, &c., for country produce, to transport to Massachusetts. 

Cleaveland of the same place, had a like permit. 

In Session, December 11. 

A letter was sent to New Haven, by Mr. David Austin, regarding a 
difficulty that arose there with some people from Nantucket, with 
goods for barter in this State. 

The Governor was desired to grant a license to Caleb Huntington, 
of Norwich, to distil from rye, the spirit called Geneva, to supply the 
inhabitants of the State, as far as he could ; provided he should retail 
the same at a reasonable price, not to exceed 15s. per gallon, during 
the pleasure of the Governor and Council. 

Abiather Camp, of New Haven, who was confined by an order of 
the General Assembly, at Eastbury, prayed to be removed, either to his 
farm in North Branford, to his house at Wallingford, or to Glastenbury, 
<fec. The Governor and Council gave liberty to said Camp to remove 
to his house in Wallingford, and there to remain within the limits of 
said society, where his house was situated, until farther orders. 

In Session, December 16. 

It was resolved, that the Governor should procui'e 300 copies of the 
Articles of Confederation, then (lately) received from Congress, and 
order the printer to transmit one such copy to the selectmen of each 
town in the State, as soon as possible, and the remainder of them, to 
the General Assembly, at their adjourned session, at Hartford, in 
January, 1778. 

In Session, December 22. 

It was voted, to draw on John Calder, of Hartford, for 50 bushels 
of the salt, imported by Capt. Stillman, to be delivered to the managers 
of the furnace, at Salisbury. 

In Session, December 27. 
Capt. John Deshon was instructed to give orders to transport lo ' 
Connecticut, 200 bushels of (State's) salt, at Bedford, by water ; and 



REVOLUTIOxNAKY WAR, 1777. 509 

to send an account to the Governor of the quantity ol' salt on hand, in 
Bedford, owned by this State. 

Nathaniel Shaw, Jr., Esq., was permitted to purchase the twenty 
9 pounders owned by the State, in Norwich, by his paying all cost after 
they were taken from the foundry, at Salisbury. 

It was resolved, that the selectmen of Glastenbury should supply the 
famihes of sargeant Peter Pease, Samuel Dealing, William Sm***, and 
Benjamin Tucker, who were inhabitants and soldiers of said town, 
enlisted in the continental army, under Col. Samuel Brewer, of Massa. 
chusetts, with necessaries in the same manner as was provided by law 
for the families of soldiers enlisted in said array who belonged to and 
were in the service of the State ; and the extra expense paid by this 
State and charged to the State of Massachusetts ; and notice given to 
their Councilor Assembly, and if disapproved of by their Council, to 
notify Gov. Trumbull, and give orders for the release of said Pease, 
Dealing, and others, that they might enlist into one of the regiments in 
this State, in continental service. 

It was voted, to give James Day, lieutenant of marines of the ship 
Oliver Cromwell, an order on the pay table for £120, to recruit men 
for service on board said ship. 

The Governor laid before the Council, a letter of the 23d of Decem- 
ber, 1777, from the Governor and Council of War of the State of Rhode 
Island, which shewed the great danger the town of Providence was in 
from the ships of war in the harbor of Newport, and the army of the 
enemy there ; that they had good intelligence, that a body of 750 men 
were prepared, and about to embark with a design, as supposed, to 
burn the town of Providence, and destroy the vessels lying there un- 
armed. Also that the term of service of the troops there would expire 
on the 1st of January, 1778, and earnestly pressed for the aid which 
they claimed had been stipulated by Connecticut for their defence, and 
they had stood in need of, but at no time as much as at the date of the 
letter. The Governor and Council ordered 500 men, including officers, 
to be forthwith detached from the 1st and 5th brigades of militia in 
the State, and marched to Providence, without delay, under one colo- 
nel and one major, to consist of five companies, of one hundred men 
each, with officers included ; officered out of the militia officers by 
designation of the respective brigadier generals ; that 400 of said men 
be detached according to law, from the 5th brigade, under Gen. Doug- 
lass ; and the two field officers designated by him ; also, the necessary 
officers of the respective companies. And the other 100 men to be 
detached from the 1st brigade, under Gen. Erastus Wolcott, and the 
officers designated by him, and properly armed, &c., under the com- 
65 



510 KEVOLUTlOiN'AKY WAR, 1778. 

mand of said field officeni^o march to Providence, and tiiere be placed 
under tiie command of iMaj. Gen. Spencer, or tlie commander-in-chief 
on that station ; to serve two months after their arrival at the place of 
their destination, miless sooner discharged ; with the pay, rations, 
wages, and encouragements by law allowed. 

In Session, (at Hartford) January 9, 1778. 
An order was drawn on the pay table for £500 lawful money, to be 
paid to Capt. Roswell Grant ; £100 of which said Grant was ordered 



Tlie following scraps of historiciil facts and events, are extracted from the " Con- 
necticut Gazette," published at New London, by Samuel Green, Esq., in 
1777 and 1778. 

New London, January 2, 1778. Last Wednesday, 16 sail of Critish shipping 
passed New London from New York. A few days previous to the above date? 
130 tories from the west end of Long Island, went to Southhold, and robbed the 
inhabitants of money, clothing, grain, cattle. Sic, and took from one man o£120 
in cash. 

January 9, 1778. Congress recommended to the several Legislatures of the 
States, to call in |5,C0O,0O0, by quarterly taxes, within the year 1778, and pro- 
portioned the sum of §6C0 000 to the State of Connecticut, (only three States 
were directed to raise more than Connecticut.) 

On ihe last Sabbath of December, 1777, a contribution was taken up in the 
several parishes of Norwich, for the benefit of the officers and soldiers who 
belonged to said town ; when they collected 386 pair of stockings, 227 pair of 
shoes, 118 shirts, 78 jackets, 48 pair of overhalls, 208 pair of mittens, 11 bufFcaps, 
15 pair of breeches, 9 coats, 22 rifle frocks, 19 handkerchiefs, and £258 : 17 : 8 
'n money, which was forwarded to the army. Also collected a quantity of pork, 
cheese, wheat, rye, Indian corn, sugar, rice, flax, wood, &c. <fec„ to be distributed 
to the needy families of the officers and soldiers. The whole of which amounted 
to the sum of £1,400. 

New London, January 16, 1773. Capt. Daniel Deshon, (in the late armed 
brig Defence) was taken and carried into Jamaica. Last Sabbath a flag of truce 
sailed from New London for New York with British prisoners for exchange. 
The same evening a brig from Providence, bound to New London, was drove on 
Wickapesct reef by two British ships, who hulled her 16 times, and fired a great 
number of shot through her rigging, but the brig soon got off the reef and run 
into Stonington. 

On the 25th of December, 1777, Lieut. David Barber, of Groton, with another 
officer, walked a few miles from the camp at Saw Pitts ; and on their return, a 
party of tories concealed, rose and fired at them with buck shot, and killed Lieut. 
Barber by a shot through his body ; he died immediately. The tories robbed 
him of his money and escaped. He sustained a high reputation in the army, of 
a bold and good officer. 

New Haven, January 14, 1778. Thursday the green coals, taken near Tarry- 
town, New York, passed through New Haven, (52 in number) under guard, on 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 511 

to pay to his company ordered to Rhode Island, under Gen. Spencer ; 
the other £400 to be paid by said Grant to Gen. Douglass, to be by him 
paid to four companies raised in his brigade, and ordered to Rhode 
Island, under Gen. Spencer. 

Gen. John Douglass was directed to provide sufficient teams and 
carriages to transport the baggage of the four companies of soldiers, 
ordered raised in, and marched from his brigade, to Providence. 

Capt. Roswell Grant was ordered to provide necessary teams and 
carriages to transport the baggage of his company to Providence. 



their way to Hartford; 27 of whom were taken by Capt. Eli Leavenworth, who 
with a party of 27, surrounded more than 30 of the enemy, killed 3, wounded 3 
or 4; among the prisoners was the noted Capt. Barnes, and his Lieut. Hunt, a 
New Yorker. Capt. Leavenworth had one man slightly wounded. 

New London, January 23, 1778. The frigate Alfred, (Elisha Hinman, captain,) 
owned by the United Slates, carried two prize ships into France, and sold them. 

New London, February 6, 1778. On Friday, two British ships went up the 
sound from the east, one of them came nearly within the light house towards 
New London. News arrived in New London that the enemy at Newport were 
preparing to attack some place on the sound. 

February 20, 1778. Gen. Lee drew a prize of $500 in a lottery in New York, 
which he immediately distributed among the American prisoners in New York. 

Six sail of British shipping were drove on shore at Long Island, on the 6th of 
February, one of them a frigate of 36 guns. 

A boat from Long Island, bound to Connecticut river, laden with British goods, 
(an illicit trade) was seized by a boat of the ship Trumbull. 

In February, 1778, there were 83 British ships-of-war on the American station, 
carrying from 64 guns to 10 guns, beside the Riclimond, a bomb ship, the Juno 
the Orpheus, a fire ship, the Blonde, Potens, and Venus. 

New London, March 13, 1778. Previous to this time, Capt. B. Appleton, for- 
merly of New London, in a letter of marque sloop of 12 guns, and 50 men, was 
taken by the Gallattaa and 2 tenders, in the latitude of Bermuda, after a running 
fight of 5 or 6 hours, in which the sloop was cut down nearly level with the 
water. Nathan Moore, of Groton, commanded her during the action. The 
crew were carried to Jamaica, where the officers made their escape. 

Report said, that of 3,000 Americans taken at fort Washington, only about 900 
of them were living. 

Capt. Coit, of New London, in he privateer sloop America, in company with 
another sloop, took a brig from Ireland, laden with provisions, and a ship from 
Bristol, and carried them into Martinico. 

New London, March 20, 1778. Thirty sail of British shipping were in Gard- 
ner's Bay, with some men of war. 

New London, March 27, 1778. Maj. Gen. Arnold arrived at Middletown, 
from Albany, and not out of danger by his wound. 



512 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 



5KSSION, January 12. 

An order was drawn in favor of the selectmen of Killingworth, on 
Josiah Elliot, of Bedford, for 33 bushels of State salt ; and one in 
favor of the selectmen of Saybrook, for 44^ bushels of salt at said 
Bedford. The selectmen to pay all storage. i 

Lieut. Col. Larrence, was voted to be exchanged for Col. Samuel 
Webb ; and Larrence to go to New York on his parole, and if not 
exchanged, to return by the 6lh day of February, 1778. 

The Governor was desired to write to Gov. Clinton, and inform him 

Monday last, 6 ships from tlie westward went down Long Island sound. Same 
day a flag returned to New London from Newport, with American prisoners who 
had been in a guard ship. Michael Sage, of Middletown, died in a guard ship at 
Newport. 

New London, March 3, 1778. On Friday night last, the continental ship 
Columbus, Capt. Hacker, was drove on Point Judith by two of the British ships. 

New Haven, April 1, 1778. About the 20lh day of March, 200 of the British 
troops landed under cover of a row galley and two armed sloops, on Greenwich 
Point, to destroy a quantity of flour, on the beach above the point, and to burn a 
row galley then fitting there. A small party of 15 men, from Col. Meigs' regi- 
mrnt, under Lieut's. Lay and Sliailor, reinforced by a few of the inhabitants, 
attacked Ihem, and prevented the destruction of the flour, retook most of the 
cattle and sheep they had taken, and extinguished the fire they had set to the 
galley in the harbor, and drove them off" in the greatest confusion, without the 
loss of a man killed or wounded. 

New London, April 10, 1778. Several ships passed New London on the Sab- 
bath, towards New York. 

Capt. Atwell, in a brig, and Capt. Brown, in a sloop from New Haven, were 
both taken by the British, and taken to the West Indies. 

New London, April 24, 1778. On Saturday previous to the 14th of April, a 
party of 15 men, of Col, Meigs' regiment, under Lieut. Lay, crossed from Horse 
Neck to Long Island, and cut two sloops out of Hempstead harbor, bound to 
New York — one was deeply laden with wood ; the other with vegetables, which 
they took safe to Florse Neck and unloaded ; also took four prisoners. Last 
Tuesday a flag returned to New London, with five prisoners from Newport, 
exchanged for five British prisoners taken on Long Island after wood. 

A man by the name of Phineas Fairbank, who had escaped in Worcester 
county, and lay secreted in Great Neck, in New London, and was assisted to 
escape to Long Island by some of the inhabitants of Great Neck, who had given 
great trouble to the public. Fairbank was soon after taken on Long Island, by a 
company of rangers, under Capt. Grifling, with important papers in his pos- 
session. 

April 23, 1778. Gov. Trumbull's letter, dated April 23, 1778, in answer to a 
letter from Gen. William Tryon. 

" Sir, — Your letter of the 17th inst., from New York, is received, with its 
enclosures, and the several similar packets of various addresses, with which it 
was accompanied. ' 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 513 

of the condition on wiiich the State prisoners from New York were 
permitted to return, and propose the exchange of Col. Ely for Col. 
Delancy ; or that each of them, should be permitted to return to their 
respective abodes on parole, until exchanged. 

It was voted, that a letter should be addressed to Congress, urging 
a general exchange of prisoners, as soon as possible. 

In Session, January 13. 
An order in fixvor of Lieut. John Smith, of the Oliver Cromwell, 
for the sum of £150, lawful money, to pay the wages of the men he 
had or should enlist to serve on board said ship. 

"Propositions of Peace are usually made from the supreme authority of one 
contending power, to the similar authority of the other ; and the present is the 
first instance within my recollection, when a vague, half blank, and very indefi- 
nite draft of a bill, once only, read before one of three bodies of the Legislature of 
the Nation, has ever been addressed to the jjeople at large of the opposite power 
as an overture of reconciliation. 

" There was a day when even this step, from our then acknowledged parent 
• State, might have been accepted with joy and gratitude ; but that day, Sir, is past 
irrevocably. The repeated, insolent rejection of our sincere and sufficiently 
humble petitions ; the unprovoked commencement of hostilities ; the barbarous 
inhumanity which has marked the provocation of the war, on your part in its 
several stages ; the insolence which displays itself on every petty advantage ; 
the cruelties which have been exercised on those unhappy men, whom the fortune 
of war has thrown into your hands ; all these are insuparable bars to the very 
idea of concluding a peace with Great Britain, on any other conditions than the 
most absolute and perfect independence. To the Congress of the United States 
of America, therefore, all proposals of this kind are to be addressed ; and you 
will give me leave. Sir, to say, that the present mode bears too much the marks of 
an insidious design, to disunite the people, and to lull us into a state of quietude 
and negligence of the necessary preparations for the approaching campaign. If 
this be the real design, it is fruitless. If peace be really the object, let your pro- 
posals be addressed properly to the proper power, anfl your negotiations be hon- 
orably conducted ; we shall then have some prospect of (what is the most ardent 
wish of every honest American,) a lasting and honorable peace. 

"•The British nation may then, perhaps, find us as affectionate and valuable 
friends, as we now are determined and fatal enemies; and will derive from that 
friendship more solid and real advantage, than the most sanguine can expect 
from conquest. 

" I am, Sir, your humble servant, 

" Jonathan Trumbull." 

" William Tryon, Esq." 

New London, May 8, 1778. The American Revenue, Capt. Champlin, and 
Revenge, Capt. Conklin, both from New London, took the ship Lovely-Lass, 
Wade, late master, from London, with a valuable cargo, and sent her into Boston. 

Last Sabbath, 21 sail of British shipping stood to the east, from Gardner's Bay, 
and the next day 7 sail of tlie enemy's shipping passed down the sound. 



614 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 

An order was drawu^ Josiah Elliot, to deliver to the selectmen of 
East Haddam, 46i bushels of State salt, &c. Also to deliver 48-» 
bushels to the selectmen of Guilford. 

Voted, to draw an order on the committee of pay table, in favor of 
Col. Joseph Trumbull, for £5000, to replace the money advanced by 
him to Rice & Co., to procure clothing for the continental army. 

In Session, January 14. 
Samuel Terry, of East Windsor, offered his account for 53 cartouch 
boxes and belts, at lis. 6d. each, made by order of the Governor and 
Council, which was allowed, at £30 : 9 : 6, which were directed to be 
delivered to Gen. E. Wolcott, who was ordered to receive them. Also, 
other accounts were offered to the Board, by Lynd Lord, Esq., of 
Litchfield, for supporting the guard in Litchfield, on account of Gov. 
Franklin, and other account of services, &c., which was ordered to 
be liquidated by the pay table. 

In Session, January 15. 

It was voted, that Gideon Hosford's account for transporting sick 
soldiers, in January, 1777, and can*ying orders to Gen. Wai'd, amount- 
ing to £3, was referred to the pay table for adjustment, &;c. 

Dr. Isaac Knight's account, surgeon to Col. Ely's regiment, for 
medicines, &c. for said regiment, of £44 : 6 : 11, was referred to the 
pay table to liquidate, &c. 

Capt. John Cotton was desired to procure 50 sparrs up Connecticut 
river, for masts, bowsprits, booms, and yards, for the use of this State. 

Mr. Samuel Ogden, of New Jersey, was allowed to transport into 
this State, a quantity of rod and bar iron, to barter a part of it for salt 
and other West India goods. 

Joseph Squire was appointed captain of marines, on board the ship 
Defence. Lieut. Day was appointed captain of marines, on board the 
ship Oliver Cromwell. 

As it was evident to the Board that the quantity of salted and other 
provisions laid up for the continental army, within this State, would 
prove far short of what had been provided the preceding year, and 
greatly inadequate to the probable demands and necessity of the army ; 
and as fat cattle were difficult to be obtained — it became the indispen- 
sable duty of the Board to exert every effort to procure as much of 
both, and on as good terms as possible. And as Col. H. Champion 
was considered a gentleman of great judgment, capacity, and experi- 
ence in said business, especially beyond any other person in this State, 
and of most unexceptionable honor and integrity, and of universal 
acquaintance, and ability to promote the fattening of cattle, and skill in 



REVOLUTIOiNARY WAR, 1778. 615 

purchasing ; the Board applied to him to undertake said business ; but 
he appeared to have insuperable objections, and judged it impractica- 
ble to conform strictly to some of the rules prescribed by Congress for 
regulating the commissary department ; but agreed, with reluctance* 
to exert himself for that purpose, and with fidelity to procure and pur- 
chase all the live fat cattle for said use, and to take receipts from all 
persons of whom he should purchase, expressing the sums received, 
the number and kind of cattle purchased, for which the same was 
paid ; and brand all such cattle with the initials of his name, and the 
letters C. A., (for continental army,) to be drove and delivered to such 
persons and places as he should be advised by the commissary general 
of issues, or other proper authority, (inevitable casualties excepted,) 
and to take his or their receipts for the same ; to be allowed a reasona- 
ble reward for his trouble and his expenses ; and to make up his ac- 
count, and settle the same with the proper officers of Congress, as fast 
as he should be able, and to execute the whole with all fidelity, honor, 
and integrity. Peter Colt, deputy commissary general of purchases, 
was present, and earnestly desired to be excused from that part of 
purchases ; and for the public good, and by continuance of the reso- 
lution of Congress, authorized and appointed Col. Henry Champion, 
the sole purchaser of live beef cattle within the eastern department, 
for the use of the continental army, with power to employ such assist- 
ants as he should find necessary to execute the business. Said Cham- 
pion was required to go immediately into the execution of said busi- 
ness, and to begin to drive by the 1st day of February (then) next. 
It was also resolved, that said appointment should be laid before 
Congress as soon as might be ; and if said Congress disapproved of 
it, to signify the same to the Governor of this State, when said ap- 
pointment should cease. Said Colt was released from that part of his 
service in said department, which had been assigned to Col. Cham- 
pion. It was also resolved, that one-half the draft for $200,000, by 
the Hon. President Laurens, on the continental loan office in this State, 
(dated December 20, 1777,) in favor of the Governor and Council, 
was assigned to Peter Colt, Esq. ; and the other half to said Champion, 
and they accountable therefor. 

Whereas many persons who belonged at the islands of Martha's 
Vineyard, Nantucket, and other places out of this State, had obtained 
permission from the Governor to barter and trade in this State, for 
many articles of provisions, wares, and goods, the produce of the 
State, in exchange for salt, and other necessaries, on certain terms 
and conditions ; and representation was made that all such provisions, 
wares, and goods were wanted for the supply of the necessities of the 



516 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 

inhabitants of the Sta^^and for the use of the army of the United 
States, and could not be spared without material injury to both. Also 
that many or all such persons had been guilty of abuses in such trade, 
by bidding very excessive sums for articles purchased, and enhanced 
the already exorbitant prices of the necessaries of life, to the injury of 
the people and the public, and bartered at unreasonable prices, and 
violated the spirit and terms of such permissions : It was therefore 
ordered, by the Governor and Council, that all permits before granted, 
should cease, and were declared null and void ; and all persons who 
held them were strictly prohibited all deal, trade, or traffic in this 
State any farther, under the pains and penalties of the law ; and were 
forbidden to depart from the ports or harbors of the State, with their 
boats or vessels, w^ithout special license from the Governor. Mr. Isaac 
Doolittle and Mr. Timothy Jones, Jr., of New Haven, were hereby 
directed to give notice hereof to any person or persons who held such 
permissions, by reading said order in their hearing, or by copy. It 
was farther provided, that Roger Sherman, William Hillhouse, and 
Benjamin Huntington, Esq'rs., or either two of them, were appointed 
a committee to enquire into the conduct of all persons who had traded 
and bartered in this State, under a permission, as to the terms, manner, 
prices, rate of exchange, and barter made, or bid by any such persons, 
of any abuses of said trust ; and to bring before them any persons for 
the purposes aforesaid, and make their report of facts to the Governor 
and Council. 

In Session, January 16. 
It was represented by Gen. Samuel H. Parsons to the Governor and 
Council, that a small privateer was then fitting out by the general's 
order, to drive small tenders and boats from the western coast, which 
could not be completed unless he could obtain the loan of one of the 
9 pounders at New Haven, owned by the State, and prayed for the 
loan of said cannon ; which was granted by the Governor and Council, 
by Gen. Parsons' giving his receipt therefor. 

In Session, January 19. 

Capt. Jesse Leavenworth, of New Haven, under proper orders, 
gave his deposition respecting the evacuation of Ticonderoga. The 
pay table were directed to settle Capt. Leavenworth's account, and 
draw for the payment, and charge the same to the Continent, as the 
service had been done by order of the President of Congress to the 
Governor. 

Maj. Otis, of Middletown, was permitted to transport to Massachu. 
setts, 600 pounds of flour. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 517 

There was a quantity of clothing then in the hands of Col. Joseph 
Trumbull, owned by the United States, which he had received from < 
the commissaries of clothing at Boston, for the continental army from 
Connecticut ; therefore Col. Trumbull was directed to deliver to the 
several field officers the said clothmg for the use of their respective 
regiments, to be equitably divided according to their numbers, and take 
duplicate receipts for the same, to be delivered to the clothier general, 
according to Gen. Washington's orders ; and Avhen so received, be 
forthwith made up suitable for the soldiers, and that the chief tailor or 
tailors in making the same for each regiment should be under oath, 
frithfully to make up all the cloth delivered to him or thcni, and to 
deliver the same accordingly ; to be made at the customary prices set 
by the commissary of clothing, and transported at continental expense, 
and made under the directions of the field officers. 

In Session, January 20. 

An order was drawn in favor of the selectmen of Milford, on Josiah 
Elliot, at Bedford, for 25 bushels of salt. 

The Governor and Council voted, to sell twelve 4 pound cannon at 
the furnace in Salisbury, and a quantity of steel, suitable tor the same ; 
and the same number of swivels (if on hand) to William Hart, Jr., at 
the usual rate and pay. 

Jemima Ellison, of Hartford, stated that she left New York a short 
time before the enemy took possession of it, and left some of her effiicts 
with her friends, who afterwards moved into New York with her 
effiicts ; that she had three children with her, and was likely to be 
reduced to want ; and asked liberty to remove with her children and 
etfects, to New York. The Governor and Council gave permission to 
her to remove with her children and effects, to New York. 

In Session, January 23. 

The pay table committee were directed to draw on the Treasurer 
in favor of Samuel Elliott, Jr., Esq., agent for this State, for £1,000. 
(Order delivered to John Wasson, clerk of the ship Defence.) 

The committee of pay table were directed to draw on the Treasurer 
in favor of Samuel Smedley, captain of the ship Defence, for £400 in 
money. 

Also an order in favor of Col. Noah Phelps, for £160, to enable him 
to transport a number of cannon from Salisbury to Boston, for the use 
of the ship Defence. 

The accounts of the committee appointed by the Governor and 
Council to join the committees from Massachusetts and Rhode Island, 
to en(iuirc into the reasons of the failure of the expedition formed 
66 



518 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 

against Newport, wa^^Rfcrred to the pay table tor settlement and 
payment. * 

In Session, January 24. 
James Hall, a lieutenant of an artillery company, shewed to the 
Board, that he was ordered by the commander-in-chief in the northern 
department, to the town of Farmington, where he had just arrived with 
27 men, under an expectation of taking winter quarters ; and that 
within one or two days after his arrival he was ordered to march to 
Gen. Washington's head quarters ; and that his men were nearly 
naked, and could not perform the march without endangering their 
lives ; and asked for the following articles to be supplied his men from 
the State, viz. : 24 shirts, 19 pair of breeches, 30 pair of stockings, 
and 26 pair of shoes. The Governor and Council directed Messrs. 
Whittlesey and Elijah Hubbard, or either of them, to deliver said 
clothing to Lieut. Hall. 

In Session, January 26. 
Nathaniel Shaw, Esq., of New London, wrote a letter to the Gov- 
ernor and Council, in which he stated that a French gentleman had 
arrived in New London with a quantity of spirits ; that he had a quan- 
tity of salt at Bedford, and proposed to bring it, with a further quantity 
of salt, from the island of St. Peters into Connecticut, and was desirous 
of exporting from this State, ten fat cattle, &c. The Board resolved, 
that the Governor should grant a permit to Nathaniel Shaw, of New 
London, to export out of this State ten head of fat cattle for said pur- 
pose, to be purchased by Henry Champion, and exchanged for spirits, 
if the gentleman should bring the salt into this State, and would dispose 
of said salt, &c., upon reasonable terms to the State ; and said Shaw 
Avas desired to negotiate the exchange accordingly. 

In Session, January 27. 
The Governor was desired to permit Ezekiel Gorham, Seth Baker, 
and Hezekiah Crowcll, from Massachusetts, who were in this State, and 
by permission had disposed of a part of their cargoes — to dispose of 
the remainder of said cargoes for money only ; and to depart with such 
articles as they had purchased by barter or otherwise, in this or the 
State of New York, or such as they should purchase for money ; also 
such part of their cargoes as were not disposed of as aforesaid. 

In Session, January 28. 
The committee of pay table were directed to furnish Jesse Brown, 
(a continental express) with money necessary in that service, from 
time to time, and charge the United States. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 519 

In Session, January 29. 
Christopher Leffingwell, Esq., was permitted to transport out of 
Connecticut to his farm at Pittsfield, 3 barrels of salt, and 2 barrels of 
New England rum. 

Walter Henderson, of Morristown, in New Jersey, was permitted to 
carry out of this State, 4 bushels of salt, and 4 barrels of rum, to New 
Jersey. And Woodbridge Little was permitted to carry to Pittsfield, 
12 bushels of manufactured salt, and 3 bushels of foreign salt, dec. 

An order in favor of Capt. John Cotton, of £250, was given to pro. 
cure spars for the State. 

It was voted, that the managers of the furnace at Salisbury, should 
be directed as soon as might be after they had cast the mortars ordered, 
to cast 6 large stoves, 6 receivers, and 12 refining pots with doors or 
covers, for refining sulphur, for the Hon. James Duane, of the State of 
New York. 

In Session, January 30. 
The Governor and Council consulted with Mr. Colt and Col. Cham- 
pion on commissary matters. 

In Session, (at Lebanon,) February 4. 
Consulted with Mr. Whiting regarding the furnace at Salisbury, and 
various other matters. 

In Session, February 5. 

Lieut. John Smith, of the ship Oliver Cromwell, had resigned his 
commission, and exhibited his account for services, which amounted to 
to j£159 : 4 : 6, which was referred to the pay table for settlement. 

James Davis, of Barnstable, was permitted to transport by water into 
the State of Massachusetts, in the schooner Sea Flower, 8 tons of flour, 
400 bushels of corn, 100 bushels of rye, 2,000 pounds of flax, and 200 
pounds of cheese, by making oath and giving a bond. 

Also a permit was given to Capt. John Coleman, of Nantucket, to 
sell in Connecticut, 1 barrel of oil, and to transport to Nantucket 20 
bushels of rye, by making oath and giving a bond. 

William Whiting, one of the overseers of Salisbury furnace, was 
directed to purchase 1 hogshead of New England rum, and 1 barrel of 
West India rum, for the workmen at the furnace. 

Capt. James Noble was permitted to transport by land to Pittsfield, 
4 barrels of clove water, and 4 barrels of New England rum, by his 
paying the cost that had arisen. 

William Whiting was continued an overseer in carrying on the 
.Salisbury furnace. 



520 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 

^K Sessiot^, February G. 

Mr. Whittlesey, of Middletown, was directed to supply William 
Whiting, for the workmen at the furnace, with 10 blankets, if not 
obtained at the pay tabic. 

An order of £120 was drawn on the pay table in favor of Capt. 
James Day, of the ship Oliver Cromwell, for enlisting men for said 
ship. 

An order also in favor of Jonathan Strong, post rider, in part of his 
account afterwards to be adjusted, for the sum of £200. 

The Governor and Council voted, that the privateers then lying in 
the harbor of New London, should not pass the fort, until the com. 
manders had respectively given a bond to the Treasurer of the State of 
£1,000, conditioned that they would not carry out on board said priva- 
teer, any person concerned in the (then) late riot or mob, and breaking 
the gaol in New London. 

Adam Shapley was appointed captain ; Richard Chapman, 1st lieu- 
tenant, and Daniel Dee, 2d lieutenant of a company of artillery men, 
ordered raised by the General Assembly, in January, 1778. 

William Ledyard was appointed captain, and William Latham, 1st 
lieutenant of a company of artillery men, ordered raised by the 
Assembly. 

Mr. Wilmott was appointed lieutenant of a company of artillery 
men, ordered raised as aforesaid, and stationed at New Haven. 

Benjamin Hine was appointed lieutenant of a company of artillery 
men, to be stationed at Milford. 

William Seymour was appointed lieutenant of a company of artillery 
men, to be stationed at Norwalk. 

John Bear was appointed a lieutenant of a company of artillery men, 
and stationed at Stamford. 

Sylvanus Marshall was appointed a lieutenant of a company of 
artillerj', and stationed at Greenwich. 

Orders sent to Capt. William Ledyard, at Groton fort. 

Capt. William Ledyard, in pursuance of an act of the General 
Assembly, on the 2d Thursday of January, A. D. 1778, was appointed 
captain of a company of 50 men, including 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 
one 2d lieutenant, 1 lieutenant fire worker, 2 sargeants, and 2 corporals, 
to be stationed at Groton and Stonington, and to be continued in ser- 
vice until the 1st day of January, 1779, unless sooner discharged ; to 
do the duty of artillery men *is far as necessary on their station, and 
such other duty of soldiers as should be reasonably required by their 
officers, or the commander on the station. And the officers and soldiers 
carefully to attend the duty of their offices, and places for the best 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 521 

protection of the towns and places where stationed, and liable to be 
removed on any sudden emergency for the relief of any place on the 
sea coast in this State, by order of the General Assembly, or Governor 
and Council, M'here such place is in danger of attack. And was 
ordered to raise by voluntary enlistment the number of 46 able bodied 
men, including 2 sargeants and 2 corporals, with all speed. And as 
an encouragement to such as should find his own blanket to pay 12s. ; 
and for a good gun, bayonet, cartouch box, belt, &c., to the accept- 
ance of his chief officer, the sum of 10s. as a premium, and 6d. a day 
for billeting money, from his enlistment until provided by the State, and 
one months pay in advance ; and all the officers and soldiers to receive 
the same pay, wages, &c., as had been made to soldiers in like service, 
in the year 1777. (Order dated at Lebanon, February 6th, 1778.) 
Like orders and directions were sent to the other officers on the sea 
coast, to New Haven and Milford, and to Capt. Shapley. 

In Session, February 7. 
Orders of yesterday despatched, and adjourned without day, and the 
Council went home. Last night a violent driving snow storm. 

In Session, (at Hartford) February 18. 
An order in favor of Samuel Elliott, Jr., Esq., of Boston, was drawn 
by the pay table on the Treasurer of this State, for £4,000 lawful 
money, to fit out as soon as possible, the ships Defence and Oliver 
Cromwell, &c., to be in account as agent for this State, and the order 
delivered to Robert Wasson. The Governor was desired to give the 
necessary sailing orders, and all necessary directions for said ships. 

In Session, February 21. 

Capt. Elijah Hubbard, of Middletown, was ordered to procure as 
soon as possible, 10 ton of flour, 60 bushels of peas and beans, and 
forward the same to Boston, to be delivered to Samuel Elliot, Jr., and 
take his receipt therefor. 

Jabez Fitch, of Greenwich, was appointed pay master for the regi- 
ment and forces under the command of Col. John Mead, stationed at 
Saw Pitts and parts adjacent. 

In Session, February 23. 
The committee of pay table were ordered to draw on the Treasurer 
in favor of Ebenezer Ledyard, of Groton, for the sum of £1,000 to be 
in account. 

In Session, February 25. 
The Congress of the United States requested the Governor and 
Council to cause the continental frigate Trumbull, then lying near the 



522 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 

mouth of Connecticut ri^^ and there detained by reason of an appre- 
hended difficulty of getting over a sand bar (called Saybrook bar) to 
be removed, and got over said bar, ready to proceed to sea. The 
(j^overnor and Council ordered Capt. John Cotton, of Middletown, 
forthwith to endeavor by all practical means in his power, to cause the 
continental frigate to be removed over said sand bar into the harbor of 
New London ; to employ such help of men and materials as he should 
find necessary. Dudley Saltonstall, Esq., commander of said ship, and 
all other officers and men who belonged to said ship, were directed to 
render Capt. Cotton every aid and assistance in their power, to effect 
the important and necessary object, which Congress had so much at 
heart ; and Capt. Cotton was directed" to 'use his best prudence and 
discretion in prosecuting the important business of preventing said 
ships falling into the hands of the enemy, or any other misfortune ; and 
to report his doings to the Governor in the premises, together w^ith all 
expenses, that the same should be defrayed, and information given to 
Congress. 

Nathan Frink, Jr. was permitted to go into New York, by a flag, to 
transact some business. 

In Skssion, February 26. 

Capt. Robert Niles was directed to deliver to the Hon. William 
Pitkin, or order, 2 hogsheads of sulphur, and take his receipt ; and to 
Isaac Doolittle, of New Haven, 1 hogshead of sulphur ; and to Jede- 
diah Elderkin, or order, 1 hogshead of sulphur ; and to Nathaniel 
Wales, Jr., Esq. 1 hogshead of sulphur, &c. 

Jeremiah Ripley, of Coventry, was directed to send, under a guard, 
as soon as might be, 2 tons of fine powder, in his hands, and owned by 
the continent, to Ezekiel Chevers, Esq., commissary of artillery, at 
Springfield. 

Col. Delancy was permitted to go to New York on his parole, and 
return when required ; and requesting on the part of Connecticut for 
the same indulgence to be granted to Col. Hart and Col. Hobby, or 
one of them ; and the Governor to carry the same into effect. 

In Session, February 27. 

The committee of pay table were directed to draw an order on the 
Treasurer, in favor of Capt. John Cotton, for £100, towards defray- 
ing the expense of getting the ship Trumbull over the sand bar, at Say- 
brook, and charge said Cotton, for the purpose aforesaid. 

The Governor and Council were made acquainted, by a private 
letter to one of the Council, from the Hon. Eliphalet Dyer, a member 
of Congress from Connecticut, that Congress had sent an express to 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 523 

Col. Jeremiah Wadsworth, of this State, requesting his immediate 
attendance before their Body, at Yorktown, on business of much im- 
portance to the interest of the United States. And it appeared to the 
Governor and Council, on enquiry, that Col. Wadsworth had not re- 
peived the letter which required his attendance as aforesaid. And the 
Governor and Council who were desirous- to promote the public service 
in every matter, therefore earnestly recommended to advise said Wads- 
worth to repair as soon as possible to Yorktown, to wait upon the 
Hon. Congress, and attend upon the business they should have to lay 
before him. 

By reason of the badness of the roads, the scarcity of forage, the 
want of oxen for fattening, to supply the army with meat, it had be- 
come extremely difficult to transport so large a quantity of salt as had 
been ordered to the North river ; and as a large quantity was then at 
or near said river — it was voted, that Peter Colt, deputy commissary 
general of purchases, should be advised to stop the further sending on 
the salt to the North river, even if it might be done with safety. 

In Session, February 28. 

It was voted by the Governor and Council, that the Governor should 
be desired to write to Maj. Thomson, commanding officer of Col. 
Nixon's battalion, stationed at Farmington, and request him to march, 
with all convenient speed, to Greenwich, pursuant to Gen. Putnam's 
orders, with all of said regiment who were able to do duty, and leave 
the sick and unfit for duty at Farmington, with a proper officer to take 
them on when fit. And Col. Root was ordered to repair to Farming, 
ton and acquaint Maj. Thomson herewith, and enquire into the state 
of the regiment, and find what would be necessary to furnish the bat- 
talion to enable them to march, and report to the Governor and Council. 

James and Horace Hooker stated to the Governor and Council, that 
they had been appointed by Isaac Foster, Esq., deputy director general, 
&;c., to receive and store a large quantity of hospital stores for the use 
of the United States ; a part of which had arrived at Windsor, and 
the remainder daily expected ; and had received orders from said Fos- 
ter to apply to the Governor for a guard, and asked for a proper 
guard, &;c. The Governor and Council ordered Col. Roger Newbury 
to furnish from his regiment, in such manner as he should judge most 
convenient, to said James and Horace Hooker a proper guard, of 1 
sargeant and 12 men, for the time being ; with power, if he should 
think necessary, to increase said guard to 18 men, to guard said stores 
until further orders ; and proper pay rolls be made and presented to the 
pay table for payment of the Treasurer, and charged to the United 
States. 



524 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 

Col. John Chester, d^^ethersfield, and others, shewed the Gover- 

nor and Council, that in January, 1778, they purchased of this State, 
a number of salt pans, &c., to the value of £320 : 18 : 9, and by 
reason of large holes in said pans, they were useless ; and they had 
been at great expense in transporting said pans, &c. from the furnace 
in Salisbury ; and asked to be released from said contract. The Gov- 
ernor and Council released said Chester and others from the payment 
of said sum ; and ordered Maj. WiUiam Williams to receive said pans, 
and dispose of them to the best advantage he could for this State. 

In Sessio^t, March 5. 

The overseers of the furnace, at Salisbury, were directed by the 
Governor and Council, to cast a trundle head for Mr. John Gillet, of 
Windsor, if it would not impede the casting of cannon. 

The overseers aforesaid were ordered to hire pastures for the cattle 
used at said furnace. 

Hannah Church, of Danbury, the wife of Asa Church, (then) late 
of said Danbury, shewed the Governor and Council that her husband 
had joined the British army, and was then in New York, and that she 
had no estate to support her ; and prayed for liberty to go to New 
York to her husband. The Governor and Council gave her liberty to 
go to New York, with such necessary apparel as the committee of in- 
spection of said Danbury should think proper. And Gen. Silliman 
was directed to grant a flag, or passport, to the said Hannah accor- 
dingly. 

In Session, March 6. 
Joseph Beak, a refugee from New York, by reason of the British 
troops and their tyranny, then at New Haven, stated that by reason of 
losses, and high prices of provisions, &c., he was reduced and unable 
to support his family ; that he had several debts due him from prison- 
ers, &c., in New York ; and wished for liberty for his wife Margaret, 
to go to New York, and collect said sums, and return again. N. B. 
The purpose of her going not to be expressed, as it might frustrate the 
design. The Governor and Council gave permission. 

In Session, March 9. 
On motion of Mr. Colt and Col. Champion, it was resolved by the 
Governor and Council, that an order of President Laurens, dated 
Yorktown, January 27, 1778, on Joseph Lawrence, Esq., continental 
loan ofiicer in Connecticut, for the sum of $200,000 in favor of the 
Governor and Council of this State, be disposed of as follows, viz. ; 
$50,000 in favor of Peter Colt, deputy commissary general of provis- 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 325 

ions of the eastern departmcat ; the remaining $150,000 in favor of 
Col. Champion, purchaser of beef cattle in said department. And the 
Governor was desired to inform Congress, or the Board of Treasury, 
of this disposition, that it might be entered to the debit of said Colt and 
Champion. 

Liberty was granted to the managers of the cannon foundry, to sell 
to Capt. William Griswold, sixteen 4 or 6 pound cannons, the property 
of the State, at the rate heretofore given. 

In Session, (at Lebanon,) March 16. 

The Governor and Council consulted on sundry matters with the 
French captain, Michel, arrived at New London, with a large cargo 
of goods, &c. 

Col. McLellan consulted about his undertaking in the new ordered 
regiment, &c. 

Capt. Niles was present, concerning his late voyage. 

Gen. Wadsworth and Mr. Payne were written to, to attend on 
Thursday. 

In Session, March 20. 

The Governor, by consent of the Council present, gave a compiis- 
sion to Griffith for a whale boat, to cruise in the sound. 

The Governor, with the Council present, gave liberty to Mrs. Win- 
throp, on her petition, for her two sons Benjamin and Robert, to go to 
New York to the care of their uncle, Maj. Therifl^, who had offered to 
take them and send them to London to be educated, under such convoy 
as the selectmen of New London should approve, &c. 

In Session, March 21st, 23d. and 24th. 
Many things consulted, but there being no quorum, no votes were 
passed. 

In Session, March 25. 

It was voted, that Andre^v Rowland, Esq., should deliver to Mr. 
Edward Hallam, commissary at New London, 5 barrels of pork. 
Also to Capt. Samuel Squire, commissary at Fairfield, 14 barrels of 
beef, in part payment of the provisions due from said Rowland to this 
State ; and to procure as soon as might be, such quantity of salted beef 
and pork, and flour as was still due ; and notify the Governor and 
Council thereof for giving further orders thereon. 

John Ireland, an inhabitant of Long Island, and there taken a pris- 

oner in arms against the United States, and Avas brought to this State, 

was permitted to return to Long Island to procure necessary clothing, 

&c., by giving his parole in common form, and to return and deliver 

67 



526 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 

himself to the deputy <Jimmissary general of prisoners in this State, 
within 30 days from the 25th day of March, 1778. 

Joseph Harris, Jr., Esq., was appointed major in the battalion 
ordered raised in the 3d brigade in this State, in the place of Joshua 
Huntington, Esq., resigned. 

John Ripley, Esq., was appointed major of one of the battalions 
ordered raised by the General Assembly, in the room of Levi Welles, 
resigned. 

John Penficid was appointed lieutenant colonel of the battalion 
ordered raised as aforesaid, in the 2d brigade, in the place of James 
Arnold, Esq., resigned. 

William Ledyard, Esq., was appointed to command the forts at New 
London, Groton, and Stonington, with the rank and pay of major ; to 
superintend the works, give proper orders about the military stores and 
tools in said fortifications ; to continue in service until the 1st of Jan- 
uary, 1779. 

William Latham was appointed captain of the artillery company 
ordered raised and stationed at Groton, for the year then ensuhig, or 
until the 1st of January, 1779. 

Youngs Ledyard was appointed 1st lieutenant of matross or artillery 
company, stationed at Groton. Achas Sheffield was appointed 1st 
lieutenam of the company of 20 men stationed at Stonington. 

An order was voted to be drawn by the pay table on the Treasurer, 
in favor of Nathaniel Shaw, Jr., Esq., for £5,000, to be in account 
with this State, agreeable to an order added to Thomas Shaw. 

Nathaniel Shaw, Jr., was directed to purchase of Capt. Michel, of 
the ship Lyon, arrived at New London from France, 750 bushels of 
salt, for this State, on condition he had engaged more, to release the 
overplus so engaged, to Mr. Colt, or any continental purchasing com- 
missary, for the use of the United States ; and to send one-third part 
of what he should purchase to Norwich ; one-third to East Haddam, 
and the remainder to Middletown, to be lodged in proper stores, for 
the use of this State. 

In Session, March 26. 

Letters were sent to John Dcshon, Esq., respecting the getting out 
the ship Trumbull. 

Letters were sent to Nathaniel Shaw, Jr., in answer to his by his 
brother, relating to goods, salt, &c. 

It was voted, that the pay table, upon application of any of the pro- 
per officers of either of the six battalions (then) lately ordered raised 
for the defence of this State, to order such an advance of money to 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 527 

them, to fill their companies or battalions, agreeable to the encourage, 
ments given by the act of Assembly for raising said battalions, and take 
proper security for the disposition thereof. 

John Odel was appointed lieutenant of a company of artillery of 24 
men, to be raised and stationed at Fairfield. 

It was voted, to continue Benjamin Henshaw and William Whiting, 
overseers of the furnace at Salisbury, with the appurtenances, with all 
other buildings and estate of Richard Smith, (then late of Boston,) situ, 
ated in said Salisbur'y, which had been ordered by the General Assem. 
bly to be improved for the use of this State ; and to obey the orders 
received from the General Assembly, or the Governor and Council, and 
be accountable for their conduct and management of the same when 
required. The overseers of said furnace were ordered to proceed im. 
mediately to make the necessary preparation to put said furnace in 
blast, for the year then ensuing, and to collect the articles necessary 
for that purpose, particularly to collect a sufficient quantity of ore and 
charcoal. To learn the prices and terms on which teams could be 
hired or purchased, for transporting such articles for said furnace ; 
and report to the Governor and Council ; and to purchase a sufficient 
quantity of wood as near the furnace as could be obtained, for coal. 
To employ a suitable number of men to carry on said business, and 
make the necessary provision for their subsistence. To exchange pig 
iron for good barrel pork, for the accommodation of the people em. 
ployed. That there should be built a small house on the furnace lot, 
not to exceed in expense £100 lawful money, for the use of Mr. 
Whiting's family ; to use the house where Mr. Whiting then lived for 
the workmen, to lodge and work in, &c., as said managers should 
direct. It was found a sum was due the committee appointed to build 
the bridge between the towns of Canaan and Salisbury ; the Governor 
and Council therefore voted, that the managers should enquire into the 
same, and pay what they should find justly due for building said bridge, 
and charge the same to this State. 

Messrs. Otis & Andrews, of Boston, deputy clothiers for the conti. 
nental army, on request of the Governor and Council, had sent into 
Coiuiecticut, cloths and trimmings to be made into garments for the 
continental soldiers, and I'equested the Governor to nominate a proper 
person to take the management and oversee the same properly exe. 
cuted. And Maj. John Bigelow was appointed to oversee the same, 
to collect the costs of making, and number the full suits made for the 
soldiers of each regiment, and exhibit theipi to Otis & Andrews, afore- 
said, for payment ; and to apply to them for directions how to carry 
said clothes to the army, and to correspond with them touching said 
business, and pursue their instructions, or the instructions of said Board, 
agreeable to the desire of said Otis & Andrews ; to have commissions 



528 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 

on any pin-chascs, and treasonable allowance for his trouble in said 
a^airs, as was ort'crecl Mr. David Trumbull. And it was voted, that 
the committee of pay table should draw on the Treasurer in favor of 
Maj. John Bigelow, superintendent aforesaid, for £200, in account with 
this State, to be re|»lacod on his receipt of the same from said Otis & 
Andrews. 

In Session, March 27. 
Mr. Trumbull, from New Haven, presented a petition from said 
town, stating their exposed situation, and great apprehensions, &c. 
from the enemy ; and a report of their committee approved by the 
town, &c. ; and prayed for a number of men to be stationed there, &;c. 
The Governor was desired to order Tluiddcus Cook, Esq., colonel of 
one of the battalions ordered to be raised by the General Assembly, on 
the 12th day of February, 1778, for the defence of this State, to forth- 
with detach and order two companies of his battalion, to march and 
take post at New Haven, for the defence thereof, and places adjacent, 
to be commanded by the major, and such other officers as the colonel 
should direct ; and said officers to be in proportion to the number of 
non-commissioned officers and privates ; and in case there should not 
be two full companies then enlisted, that said two companies be made 
up of such as had enlisted in any of the companies in said battalion ; 
but if there were not then enlisted a sufficient number to make two 
companies, the colonel was directed to apply to Gen. Ward, who was 
ordered to draft from the militia in his brigade, so many men as would 
be sufficient to complete the two companies ; and said militia men to 
be released from said service as fast as soldiers should be enlisted in 
said battalion and ordered to said post, at the discretion of the command- 
ing officer on said station. And Col. Cook was further ordered to con- 
tinue to send on for the defence of said post, so many officers and 
privates as (o make three full companies. 

Mr. Bradley, who was 2d lieutenant of the company of artillery, 
stationed at New Haven, in 1777, was appointed lieutenant of the com- 
pany of matross, of 21 men, ordered by the Assembly to be stationed 
at New Haven. 

Commissions were sent (by Col. S. Hall) to Col. Thaddcus Cook, 
Lieut. Col. John Penfield, and Maj. Abraham Tyler; and blanks 
signed for commissioned officers of the 2d regiment ordered raised by 
act of Assembly. >. 

In Session, March 28. 
John Shipman, Jr., was appointed lieutenant of the company of 
matross, of 24 men, ordered raised and stationed at Saybrook, by the 
General Assembly for 1778. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 529 

In Session, March 30. 

Commissions were sent by Col. Bradley for three of the six regi- 
ments ordered by the (then) last Assembly to be raised for the defence 
of this and the United States, (I'or Col. Mead, Col. Enos, and Col. 
Hooker.) And sent commissions filled, to sundry officers of the artil- 
lery companies, viz. : Lieut. Bradley, of New Haven ; Benjamin Hine, 
of Milford ; John Odcl, of Fairfield ; William Seymour, of Norwich ; 
John Bean, of Stamford, and Sylvanus Marshall, of' Greenwich. 
N. B. The commissions for Col. Thaddcus Cook's regiment were 
sent on the 27th, by Col. Street Hall. 

John Trumbull exhibited an account for printing, of £15 ; referred 
to the pay table. 

Thomas Fanning exhibited an account of transferring the account 
of the Governor and Council ten days, at r2s. per day, to be adjusted 
by the pay table. 

An order was given to Capt. Dewitt, of Norwich, to receive of Maj. 
Ledyard,the two wrought iron 4 poimd cannon with the apparatus, which 
had been removed from Norwich, by Col. Ely's regiment. The order 
delivered Gen. Huntington. 

In Session, March 31. 

Capt. Jacob Dewitt was directed to provide the necessary apparatus 
for preparing for service the two field pieces at Norwich, mounted on 
carriages, and receive of Maj. Gen. Huntington a sufficient quantity of 
powder and balls to complete 80 cartridges, and 40 cartridges for said 
pieces, and 40 for the wrought iron iield pieces under his care. 

Paul Pinkham, of the island of Nantucket, master of the sloop Fanny, 
was permitted to sell in this State, 100 bushels of salt, 400 pounds of 
coffee, 50 gallons of rum, 9 barrels of tar, 6 of turpentme, and IGO 
kegs of lampblack, at the regulated prices ; and to purchase any article 
except provisions of every kind, and flax exceeding 1 ton weight, lard 
exceeding 3 firkins, leather and iron, the property of the people of this 
State. 

Capt. Seth Harding was directed to pay to Justus Jennings, his 
wages for services on board the brig Defence, being £54. 

Maj. Elijah Hyde, Jr., exhibited an account for the expense and 
wages of four light horse men, to escort Gen. Prescott from Lebanon 
to East Windsor, being £5 : 5 ; referred to the pay table, and charged 
to the United States. 

It was voted, that the resolution of Congress of the 2d of March, 
1778, respecting the raising of light horse in this and several other 
States, to serve in the (then) next campaign, &c., should be sent to the 
majors of the light horse in this State as soon as could be ; and a copy 
of said resolution enclosed to each major accordingly. 



530 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 

Sent by Gen. Huntinglon the commissions for Col. Mott's battalion, 
ordered by the Assembly, in February, 1778, to be raised, &;c. Also 
the commissions of Maj. William Ledyard, as commander of the fort at 
New London, George Stanton, Youngs Ledyard, Capt. W. Latham, 
Capt. Shapley, Lieut. Richard Chapman, and Dan Dee, New London ; 
Lieut. Achas Sheffield, for Stonington artillery companies. 

In Session, April 1. 
The day was spent in writing letters to Congress, the Board of 
War, Gen. Putnam, Gen. Silliman, &c. 

In Session, April 2. 

Mr. Samuel Fitch, issuing commissary to Col. Durkee's regiment, 
made his resignation to the Governor and Council, dated Februaiy, 
1778, and was accepted. 

The day spent in consultation, and preparing letters. 

In Session, April 3. 

Daniel Hall, Jr., of Durham, exhibited his account, for making 50 
cartouch boxes and 50 bayonet belts, of £45 ; delivered the same to 
Gen. Wadsworth. 

Jeremiah Butler, of Durham, offered his account for making 20 
cartouch boxes and 20 bayonet belts, of £46. The pay table drew 
for the same. 

Orders to the following effect were sent to Col. Mott, of the 3d 
regiment, ordered to bo raised for the defence of this and the United 
States. To detach from the regiment under his command, 1 captain, 
2 lieutenants, 1 ensign, and 86 non-commissioned officers and privates, 
if such a number were enlisted, to take post at Great Neck, in New 
London. Also, 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 1 ensign, and 86 non-commis- 
sioned officers and privates, to take post at Groton, for the defence of 
those places. And in case a sufficient number to complete two com- 
panies were not enlisted, to apply to Gen. Tyler, who was directed 
immediately to give orders for detaching from his brigade such number 
of non-commissioned officers and privates as should be wanting in Col. 
Mott's regiment to complete said two companies ; and order the men 
so detached to join said companies, and stationed at New London and 
Groton ; to continue in service until relieved by such as should enlist 
into said battalion, who Col. Mott was to order on for that purpose ; 
and to make weekly returns, until further orders. 

The Governor was directed to give orders to Col. Mott, to send on 
one company in addition to the one before ordered to New London, as 
soon as a sufficient number should be enlisted in the regiment under his 
command, with a field officer to command. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 531 

All order was given in favor of Col. William Worthington, for £200, 
for service done in attempting to annoy the enemy's shipping, by order 
of the Governor and Council. 

The account of Capt. Richard Dickinson, for services, «Scc., for the 
armed vessel, brig Minerva, owned by this State, (then) lately under 
the command of Capt. Giles Hall, was referred to the pay table for 
settlement, &c. 

The Governor was desired to write to the delegates from Connecti- 
cut, in Congress, relative to Bushnell's machine, and request them to 
lay the same before Congress, &c. 

Dr. Samuel Lee, of Windham, was discharged from the office of 
surgeon to Col. Durkee's regiment, in continental service ; and Dr. 
David Adams, of Preston, appointed in his place in said regiment. 

The Governor gave an order on Col. H. Champion, to deliver Col. 
Jonathan Fitch, 8 barrels of pork ; another order on Mr. Elijah Hub- 
bard, to deliver 1 ton of flour to Col. Fitch, for the troops stationed at 
New Haven. Order delivered in a letter sent by Samuel Thatcher. 

Sent an answer to Capt. Levi Leavenworth as to shoes. 

On motion of Ezekiel Williams, Esq., deputy commissary general 
of prisoners in this State, for liberty to obtain a guard over the prison- 
ers of the United States, (then) about to be confined on board a prison 
ship then fitted at New London, and ready to receive the prisoners on 
board, agreeable to the orders of Congress. The Governor and Coun- 
cil resolved, that said commissary should be supplied with a guard, of 
1 lieutenant, 1 sargeant, 1 corporal, and 20 privates, for guarding the 
said prisoners, under the direction of said commissary, at the expense 
of the United States ; provided that said men could not be otherwise 
obtained, the commissary was directed to apply to Samuel Abbott, 
colonel of the 20th regiment of militia of this State, who was in such 
case, if need be, to order a detachment of as many men out of his 
regiment as should be wanting to complete said number for the purpose. 

In Session, April 20. 
Sundry matters consulted, but no votes passed. 

In Session, April 21. 
An order in favor of Samuel Elliot, Jr., Esq., agent at Boston, for 
£6,000, to be in account of business by said Elliot for this State, in 
the naval department. Said Elliot was desired to prepare his account 
for settlement at Hartford, during the session of the General Assembly, 
in May. Said Elliot was directed to sell the guns, tallow, fat, and bad 
bread in his hands owned by this State, to the best advantage, for the 
benefit of said State ; and render his account as soon as might be. 



532 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 

Also, that said Elliot sliOTld be instructed to act his discretion to secure 
the stores in the State of Massachusetts owned by this State, in such 
manner as he should judge prudent, that they should not fall into the 
hands of the enemy. 

It was voted, to draw on Capt. Samuel Squire, commissary, for four 
tons of flour, in favor of Samuel Elliot, Jun., Esq., to be replaced 
where borrowed by him for the use of this State. 

Samuel Butt was appointed lieutenant, and Benjamin Brown, ensign 
of the 6th company of alarm list, in the 21st regiment of militia of this 
State, and were commissioned. 

Jabez Stow was appointed lieutenant fire worker to the company of 
artillery under Capt. Adam Shaply, at New London, and commissioned. 
Henry Denison, of Stonington, was appointed 2d lieutenant of the 
artillery company under Capt. Latham, at Groton, and commissioned. 
It was resolved, that four men should be allowed, in addition to the 
number of artillerymen under Lieut. Sheffield, at Stonington ; and said 
Sheffield was ordered to enlist them. 

An order was drawn on the store keeper at Preston, to deliver 12 
barrels of pork, for the use of the matross at Groton and Stonington. 

An order was drawn on Gen. Jabez Huntington, for about 1,200 
pounds of cannon powder, in favor of William Ledyard, major of 
artillery, at New London, Groton, and Stonington. And ordered Na- 
thaniel Wales, Jr., Esq., to send 400 pounds of musket powder to Maj. 
Ledyard, as soon as might be. 

Gen. Huntington was desired to prepare apparatus for the two 
wrought field pieces at Norwich. 

Capt. Nathan Palmer was directed to deliver to Lieut. Sheffield, as 
many guns, over and above the eight guns he had to arm his whole 
party of 24 men. 

Maj. Gen. Wadsworth was directed to enquire into the state of the 
guards at New Haven, and dismiss the militia there, in whole or part, 
as he should judge best ; and to order the two companies raised in Col. 
Cook's regiment, to New Haven, to take the place of the militia in 
service there ; and order the next company raised in those parts to 
Guilford, to guard the coast of that town, as he should judge best, till 
further orders. 

Capt. Niles, of the Spy, and Capt. Smith, of the Dolphin, were or- 
dered to immediately refit said vessels. 

Capt. Robert Niles was appointed to the command of the sloop Dol- 
phin ; and was ordered forthwith to refit her for sea, and engage sea- 
men necessary to man her for a merchant voyage to the West Indies, 
with such loading as should be prepared. 



REVOLUTIOINARY WAR, 1778. 533 

Capt. Zebadiali Smith was ordered to refit for sea, the schooner 
Spy, and engage seamen necessary to man her for a voyage to the 
West Indies, with sueh cargok as should be prepared, and apply to 
Capt. J. Perkins for money and advice. 

Capt. Perkins was ordered to procure a suitable quantity of staves 
and hoops, to load the Dolphin and Spy, for a voyage to the VVest In- 
dies, and to collect all the hog's lard that belonged to this State, in the 
care of Col. Champion and others, to be disposed of as he should be 
ordered, &c., by the Board. 

In Session, April 27. 

John Way was appointed lieutenant fire worker for the company of 
artillery under Capt. Adam Shapley. 

Benjamin Huntington was desired to permit Capt. Jabez Perkins to 
cut staves on lands in his care, owned by the heirs of C. Shillby, of 
London, deceased. 

Capt. J. Perkins had liberty to use one hogshead of molasses, and 
one of sugar, owned by this State, to purchase staves and other arti- 
cles, to fit out the Dolphin and Spy, to the West Indies ; and Capt. 
Bill was directed to deliver said Perkins the sugar. 

In Session, April 28. 
Maj. John Bigelow was appointed and directed to purchase woolen 
cloths, at the lawful prices, suitable for officers' clothing, from this 
State, in the continental service, to an amount not to exceed £3,000, 
lawful money. Also, to take half the pieces of linen in his hands, 
purchased of Capt. Michel, master of the French ship at New Lon- 
don, suitable for officers' shirts, and procure them to be made for that 
use. The clothing for the officers, to be sent forward for them, such 
as could be made, and the residue sent unmade, with suitable linings 
and trimmings ; and take receipts of the officers so furnished, by the 
rules of Congress. That said Bigelow should lay the prices of said 
clothing and linen, before the commissioners of accounts at Hartford, 
who were directed to settle the prices at which the oflicers should ac- 
count, and to charge the surplus to the United States ; and to lay his 
own doings and expenses in said business, before the Governor and 
Council, as soon as might be. 

In Session, May 6. 
It was voted, that Mr. Dart, of New London, should be exempted 
from all military duty, for and during the time he should be employed 
in cutting and carrying 50 loads of wood to the fort — having been 
requested by Capt. Hallam. 

It was voted, that Capt. Cockran might receive of Col. Champion, 
68 



534 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 

four barrels of pork, i'S^he guard of 20 men stationed at Saybrook, 
Also, that Mr. David Trumbull might receive of said Champion, two 
barrels of pork, for so much received for Capt. Niles, of the schooner 
Spy, before, and not charged. 

Mark Foquet, in behalf of his father, Capt. Nicholas Foquet, and 
himself, stated to the Governor and Council, that they were employed 
by the Continental Congress to inspect powder mills, and powder and 
salt petre in the United States ; and while in any particular State, to 
be under the direction of the Governor thereof, and supported by the 
United States, and empowered by Congress to call upon any continental 
quarter master in any State for such assistance and support they should 
need ; that Congress furnished them, at Yorktown, with a wagon, four 
horses, and a wagon master, to convey them and their baggage from 
State to State, and that the wagon master deserted them at Hartford, in 
this State ; that their money was nearly expended, and considerable 
expense had arisen since they came to Connecticut, and more expense 
would arise, and they should be obliged to go to the eastern States 
when Gov. Trumbull should direct ; that there was no quarter master 
to whom they could apply ; and therefore asked to be furnished with a 
wagon master, and necessary funds to defray their expense while here, 
and to convey them to such State as they should be directed. The 
Governor and Council ordered that Nathaniel Wales, Esq., should be 
desired to advance to the said Nicholas and Mark not exceeding $200, 
to be repaid to him, and charged to the Continent. 

On the request of Maj. William Ledyard, Avho represented the 
necessity of having 5 dozen spades and shovels, to carry on the works 
at New London and Groton forts ; the Governor and Council authorized 
Maj. Ledyard to procure said number of spades and shovels, for said 
purpose, to be under his care, and obtained in the most reasonable 
manner. And to employ three or four head workmen for carrying 
stone, of the men employed in the public service at and about the forts, 
if practicable, with an additional allowance to said men, or in the best 
and most reasonable manner he could, to be employed in the works on 
fort Trumbull, at New London. And it was voted, that Capt. Edward 
Hallam, commissary of the fort at New London, should receive of Mr. 
Crary, at Preston, eight barrels of pork owned by this State, in his 
hands, for the use of the garrison at said fort, and said Crary was 
ordered to deliver the same, and take a receipt accordingly. 



APPENDIX 



The following correspondence, in 1774, between Samuel Holden Parsons and 
Silas Dean, of this State, and Pelatiah Webster, of Philadelphia, was handed the 
author of this work by S. H. Parsons, Esq., of Hartford, (a grandson of Gen. 
Parsons,) which letters contain some important facts never before published ; 
particularly the plan adopted to procure a country at the west, to which the whigs, 
in case of a war with Great Britain, and a defeat should ensue, might retreat 
from New England, for their (then) future safety. 

A LETTER FROM PELATIAH WEBSTER. 

Philadelphia, 2d April, 1774. 
Mr. Silas Dean, 

Sir, — I received your favor of 21st ult., per post, and note its contents. My 
knowledge of the Virginia settlements on the Ohio is not perfect, but on the best 
information I can get, and which I think I have no reason to doubt the truth of 
the facts, are as follows, viz. : 1st, The several charters formerly rhade to the 
Virginia company, have been all at sundry times, surrendered to the crown. 
They now are a royal government, the limits of which are ascertained by the 
commission of their Governor, or instructions he receives from the crown ; and 
all lands within those limits, not private property, belong to the crown, and are 
granted by the Governor pursuant to such instructions, general or special, as he 
receives from the crown. 2d. The government of Virginia have lately erected 
two new countries extending beyond the Alleghany mountains ; the one (called 
Fin Castle,) covering the great tract of land through which the grand Conaway 
runs ; the other covers the several rivers which have their conflux at or near fort 
Pitt to a vast extent. 3d. The lands within these two countries are granted by the 
Governor of Virginia to the officers, &c,, who served in the late American expe- 
ditions, and to none others. 4th, The government of Virginia have granted all 
necessary commissions of peace and militia, within both said countries, some of 
which are given to persons residing at fort Pitt and its neighborhood. 5th. The 
Virginians consider all the crown lands, (i, e.) lands not granted to any other 
colony, as belonging to their jurisdiction ; and that Maryland and Pennsylvania 
on one side, and both the Carolinas and Georgia on the other, are carved out of 
their province ; but all the lands contiguous, which have not been granted, do 
still belong to them in right of their being the oldest colony, &c, I shall soon be 
more perfectly informed of these matters. I lately suggested the importance of 
such information to Dr. Johnson, but he did not seem immediately to apprehend 
it, so it was neglected. 



536 APPENDIX. 

As to the expediency ^^^mling a party on discovery to Mississippi, &c., J do 
not see any advantage that can arise Ironi it at present. It is in my opinion most 
vain to attempt any settlement westward of Pennsylvania, without first making 
a fast lodgement on the Delaware and Susquehannah. Such a lodgement you 
have already on the east branch of the Susquehannah, which I apprehend our 
proprietors, or Assembly, have no present thought of disturbing, and which you 
ought to increase and strengthen as soon, and as much as possible. The lands on 
the west branch of Susquehannah, are mostly granted and settled by grantors of 
our proprietors, and worth from 20 shillings to 80 shillings per acre ; but of such 
doubtful title, that if your colony had a land office open here, most of those 
patentees would api)ly and purchase your colony right, at 1 shilling or 2 shillings 
per acre, which would soon fill your treasury with cash to an amount of many 
thousands sterling, and enable you, without being burdensome to your own 
colony's company, to make a very respectable figure wherever you may be dis- 
posed to appear. The western lands within your latitude, from the Alleghany 
mountains to the sources of the Missouri river, 500 miles west of the Mississippi, 
have been sufficiently explored already, to put it past doubt that they are the 
finest lands, and most healthy climate in the universe, and naturally secure of the 
advantages of the most extensive inland navigation, and will in time be the seat 
of grand population in America, from whence the numerous legions must issue 
that will give law to the whole land ; from which it is easy to foresee the advan- 
tages that will accrue to New England, from having a settlement of their own sons 
extending through that vast region of 150 miles wide, (for if you succeed you 
may be assured Boston stands ready to extend their width to the South sea also, 
which with yours will make a breadth of 150 miles at least). These ideas arc 
indeed vast, and will, therefore, without any regard to their natural probability, 
be treated as chimerical ; but if sagely weighed, must be allowed of great moment 
and importance. Another century will begin to realise them ; all our grand 
children will see them ; the authority and influence of Great Britain, or any other 
part of the earth over America, will lessen fast till it dwindles into nothing. 
Therefore I apprehend any application to Great Britain, further than just to keep 
up appearances and delay, their decisions to be altogether needless ; and not 
needless only, but very improper. I lament the strong opposition made in Con- 
necticut, to attempt to settle and secure these vast western lands ; but one advan- 
tage will arise from them — they lull our proprietors asleep, who cease to exert 
themselves against you ; firmly expecting your divisions will do their business. 
But all these matters are too much for a letter. I wish I could see you before 
your next Assembly meets. You must come to New York on spring business. 
Can't you come as far as Philadelphia? I have straw and provinder at your 
service. I am, Sir, your most obedient, 

humble servant, 

PELATIAH WEBSTER. 

P. S. Fort Augusta, half a mile south-east of the conflux of the east and 
west branches of the Susquehannah is by exact observation, in latitude 40° 53 : 32 ; 
fort Durkee, at Wyoming, in 41° 14:27; of Buffalo creek, 41° 1, as taken by 
Mr. Sanniel Wallace, a gentleman of great merit and well known to the Wyo- 
ming people, who is now going up with very accurate instruments to take 
the latitude 42°, in order to ascertain, how far north you extend ; and off'ers the 
use of his instruments to any gentleman you will appoint to attend him. I think 



APPENDIX. 537 

it of consequence to take tlie exact latitude of the mouth of Maromack river, 
wiiich I take to be your southern bounds, as the commissioners in 1669, con- 
firmed your line so far ; if so, and the mouth of Maromack river is in north 
latitude 40" 46, as generally computed ; the conflux of the two branches of the 
Susquehannah is 8 miles north of your southern line. My best compliments to 
Messrs. Dyer, Johnson, Strong, and all your company. The Ohio has English 
settlements from the mouth of Conaway up to Kittanning, 300 )niles, who gen- 
erally claim under Virginia, and call themselves Virginians ; but by what partic- 
ular title tliey hold I don't certainly know ; the government of Virginia protects 
them, but whether that government really claims higher up than 41*', the utmost 
northern extent of any charter they ever had, is uncertain. I should be obliged if 
you will keep me advised of the most material occurrences relative to this im- 
portant subject. Though I have no interest, yet I have a curiosity somewhat 
anxious to know the step you are taking. I will pay you in any kind of advices 
which you may need, and I can procure from this city. 
I am, &:c. 

PELATIAH WEBSTER. 



FROM SILAS DEAN TO S. H. PARSONS. 

Wethersfield, April 13, 1774. 

Dear Sir, — 1 have this moment wrote Mr. Bishop and the Speaker, per 
post, to meet the 22d inst., in order to choose members for the Congress, and 
have left it uncertain as to place — saying that Middletown or Wethersfield may 
be the place as most agreeable to the committee. You will see Capt. Trumbull, 
to whom communicate this ; and though I am not over solicitous as to the place, 
am unwilling to meet at Middletown, and hope you will prefer Wethersfield, or 
even Hartford. The reasons I have for calling a meeting, are these : The south- 
ern colonies appear ardently engaged, to confer togethei', and to form one gene- 
ral plan for future action and proceeding. It is judged by all of the greatest 
importance ; the calling of town meetings is growing fast into fashion in the 
colony ; the consequent diversity, and in some instances, perhaps, inconsistency 
and absurdity of their resolves, will soon throw us into a scene of confusion, 
and gradually sink all proceedings of this kind into contempt. While fixing the 
attention of the public on so rational, manly, and promising a mode of proceed- 
ing, as that of a general conference, will calm their minds, and they will be 
ready to receive, and comply with whatever may be advised them by such assem- 
bly ; and in the mean time they will be kept from forming those narrow, partial, 
and indigested resolves, which thoy otherwise may come into, and grow fond of, 
from principle paternal, though from no other, and be averse to exchange them 
even for belter, or the best possible to be invented. 

I have wrote to Portsmouth, Newport, Boston, New York, New. Jersey, Phila- 
delphia, Maryland, and Virginia, and ihclosed the needful, which has cost me 
much time, beside clerk hire in copying; for I could not well make one letter 
answer as a circular for all, as our correspondence with them is various, as well 
as their situations and tempers. Boston, in sending out their solemn league and 
covenant, before they have consulted any other colony in the aftair, is, in my 
humble opinion, very wrong, totally and absolutely so ; as it is directly con- 
trary to every principle of good reason and sound policy, to apply partial means 



538 APPENDIX. 

to remedy a general evil,^F to take measures on a subject so universal and im- 
portant, equally interesting to all, without consulting all. Good steps, and the 
best meant endeavors, so taken and pursued, lose greatly, and are often as fatal 
to the cause, as the very worst that can be taken. But their present distracted 
situation must atone for their errors, and we must do the best we can, for and 
with them. I am fully persuaded the ministry design to seize on some of the 
Boston leaders, and try them capitally in Great Britain ; if so, (and Lord North's 
speech in Parliament fully points out such a design,) will they submit to go like 
prisoners of the holy office, to a distant country, to take their trial ; or will they 
have the spirit to die like men, and sell their lives as dearly as they can, leaving 
to posterity their testimony, sealed with their blood, that death is to be preferred 
to slavery. I fear we are degenerated ; but this is nothing more than what our 
ancestors actually did for us, and for liberty. This town met on Thursday, this 
week ; they are spirited. But Sheriff Williams, in his boiling zeal, has almost 
preached them to death ; he neglects serving writs or levying executions, and is 
now so hoarse that he can only whisper, but his desire of communicating is no 
way abated, which, were the subject less interesting than it is, would render 
him a diverting figure. 

My design in our meeting, is, if possible, to carry only two points : Ist. Ap- 
prove of the resolves of the Assembly, in a strong style, and order them to be 
preserved as parcel of our records, to oblige our people now and hereafter, with 
ready access to them on all occasions. 2d. To anticipate the general constitution, 
by giving now our proportion to the relief of Boston, to be raised in an equal 
way, by subscription ; each one entering against his name so much on the grand 
list as he has a mind to give, whether it be one penny or more on the pound. 

I have wrote a long letter to our friend E. Hazard, a copy of which is enclos- 
ed, and after perusal, you will return to me, as I have no other. To which wild 
scheme, as you may freely call it without offence to me, I subjoin this alterna- 
tive — that if tracing the river Mississippi so far up be considered as too remote 
and laborious, that we attempt the south-west corner of lake Erie, which will 
bo less so, and may answer our purpose quite as well, if it succeed. Had tlie 
memorial been granted, and we seriously pursued it, one of these places must 
have been the spot for our first beginning on ; and ten thousand pounds will go 
so far in making the experiment of a settlement on either place, that if it answer 
our expectations, we may easily obtain partners able to carry it on. Isitimpos- 
sible, while the crown and its slaves are busy in quarreling with the old colonies, 
to fix such a lodgement at one or the other of those places, that let the affairs of 
America turn as they will, we may be secure in our possessions ? There is now 
six thousand, and in less than one year, there will bo ten thousand iniiabitants 
at Susquehannah. This settlement had every discouragement and obstacle that 
we can possibly meet with, and some that wo maj'' most probably avoid. Dis- 
owned by every government ; persecuted with fire and sword by one of the most 
powerful ; unsupported by any proprietaries of wealth, or influence, and so 
wretcliedly poor themselves, that the place was an asylum from tiio gaol, or on 
assignment in service to most of them"; yot this has thus increased in about 
three or four years, and will in all probability soon become an opulent and popu. 
lous plantation. Can we not start on as good grounds and better, though dis. 
owned by government ? We shall have none to contend with on our first settling 
down ; and put the case — the American difficulties — if they should last but four 
or five years, and there is not, in my view, the least prospect of their ending in 
twice that time, we may have without charge to ourselves, at least two thousand 



APPENDIX. 539 

men able to bear arms, with their families on the spot. Then, I say, let tlie 
affairs of America turn as they will, we may be secure ; for if arbitrary measures 
arc still pursued, whatever success the arms of these tyrants may meet with, 
they will not in that time subdue the tempers of the colonists, so but that it will 
require all their attention to keep up the appearance of submission ; which is all 
they can ever hereafter expect in America. And such a proceeding on their 
part will cause many to fly to any place that will a^'ord them peace, and a 
tolerable competency for support ; so that unobserved or beyond the power of 
their immediate attention, our plantation in ten years may bo some thousand 
strong ; and by a properly humane and timely hospitable treatment of the 
natives, have some powerful tribes in our allegiance and friendship. Should, 
as I observed, arbitrary and coercive measures be pursued, this may the more 
readily be effected. And on the other hand, wo are not to expect lenient and 
conciliating measures on other terms than a general alteration of the whole 
system of American government, by the repeal of all revenue laws now in 
being, enacted by the parliament of Great Britain ; and in lieu thereof, have a 
new but an equivalent code formed by a Parliament of our own, with a Lord 
Lieutenant at their head, or some alteration similar ; for I have not the least 
prospect, even in idea, that Great Britain will ever condescend to give up their 
right of taxing America, without fixing some hold on us, in their view equally 
binding. And ii«3eed should they now repeal the tea act, and restore Boston to 
the state they once were in, we all know it would have no decisive effect as to 
ending the dispute. The post office, and the admiralty judges, would be our 
next grievances, and would doubtless be productive of as serious consequences. 
Now as a general system, either of tyrannical, arbitrary, and despotic govern- 
ment, supported by the sword, or some civil constitution adopted, to take in the 
whole continent, must take place soon ; that is, within ten years at farthest. 
We have no great to fear, situated in that inland country, from the former, after 
we have got but two thousand men. 

[The remainder of the letter is not to be found.] 



FROM SILAS DEAN TO S. H. PARSONS. 

Wethersfield, 21st of June, 1774. 
Dear Sir, — Yours I received per post. The proposed meeting of the com. 
niittee is laid aside, and I have wrote accordingly to Messrs. Bishop and Silli- 
man. We had last Thursday a town meeting, and yesterday there was one at 
Hartford ; the result of each of which you will have a sketch of in the papers. 
I like well to have the people spirited, and to give proof of it ; but confess I do 
not so well approve of any town's striking out a plan of their own, as it is next 
to impossible but that they should be in some degree inconsistent with each 
other; but I have said the same thing to you before— so will drop the subject. 
If you see Col. Williams, I pray you to get a copy of his journal of our appoint- 
ment, May, 1773; and of the resolution of the House last session, respecting 
the CongrcsB. I arn in haste, 

Sir, yours, &c. 

S. DEAN, 



540 APPENDIX. 

DEPOSITIONS TAKj^IM MEDIATELY AFTER THE BATTLE OF 
LEXINGTON, CONCORD, &c. 

Concord, April 23, 1775. 

I, Timoihy Minot, Jr., of Concord, on the 19ih day of this inst., (April) after 
that I had heard of the regular troops firing upon Lexington men, and fearing 
hostilities might bo commenced at Concord, thought it my incumbent duly to 
secure my family. After I had secured my family — sometime after that — 
returning towards my own dwelling, and finding that the bridge on the northern 
part of said Concord was guarded by regular troops, being a spectator of what 
had happened at said bridge ; declare tliat the regular troops stationed on said 
bridge, afler they saw the men that were collected on the westerly side of said 
bridge, marched towards said bridge, then the troops returned towards the 
easterly side of said bridge, and formed themselves, as I thought, for a regular 
fight ; after that they fired one gun, then two or three more, before the men that 
were stationed on the westerly part of said bridge fired upon them. 

TIMOTHY MINOT, Jr. 

Sworn before us, William Reed, Jonathan Hastings, John Cummings, Dun. 
can Ingraham, Justices of the Peace, 

Sworn by Nathaniel Gorhara, Notary Public. 

Middlesex, April 23, 1775. • 

Medford, April 25, 1775. 

I, Edward Thoraton Gould, of his Majesty's own regiment of foot, being of 
lawful age, do testify and declare, that on the evening of the 18th inst., under 
the order of Gen. Gage, I embarked with the light infantry and grenadiers of 
the line, commanded by Col. Smith, and landed on the marsh of Cambridge, 
from whence we proceeded to Lexington. On our arrival at that place, wo saw 
a body of provincial troops, armed to the number of about 60 or 70 men. On 
our approach they dispersed, and soon afler firing began, but which party fired 
first, I cannot exactly say, as our troops rushed on shouting and huzzaing previ- 
ous to the firing, which was continued by our troops so long as any of the 
provincials were to be seen. From thence we marched to Concord. On a hill 
near the entrance of the town, we saw another body of provincials assembled ; 
the light infantry company were ordered up the hill to disperse them ; on our 
approach they retreated towards Concord ; the grenadiers continued the road 
under the hill towards the town. Six companies of light infantry were ordered 
down to take possession of the bridge, which the provincials retreated over ; 
the company I commanded was one of three companies of the above detach, 
ment, went forwards about two miles ; in the mean time the provincial troops 
returned to the number of about 300 or 400. We drew up on the Concord side 
of the bridge ; the provincials came down upon us, upon which wo engaged, and 
gave the first fire. This was the first engagement after the one at Lexington. 
Continued firing from both parties lasted through the whole day. I myself was 
wounded at the attack of the bridge, and am now treated with the greatest 
humanity, and taken all possible care of by the provincials at Medford. 

EDWARD THORATON GOULD. 

Sworn before Thaddeus Mason, Josiah Johnson, Simon Tufts, Justices of the 
Peace. 

Sworn before Nathaniel Gorhani, Notary Public. 



APPENDIX. 541 

Lexington, April 23, 1775. 

I, James Barrett, of Concord, colonel of a regiment of inilitiu, in the county of 
Middlesex, do testify and say, that on Wednesday morning last, about day break, 
I was informed of the approacli of a number of the regular troops to the town of 
Concord, where were some magazines belonging to this province, and where 
there was assembled some of the militia of tliis and the neighboring towns ; 
when I ordered them to march to the norlh brid<je, (so called) which they had 
passed, and were taking np. I ordered said militia to march to said bridge and 
pass the same, but not to fire on the King's troops unless they were first fired 
upon. Wo advanced near said bridge, when the said troops fired upon our 
militia, and killed two men dead on the spot, and wounded several otiiers ; 
which was tlie first firing of guns in the town of Concord. My detachment 
then returned the fire, which killed and wounded several t>f the King's troops. 

JAMES BARRETT. 

Sworn before us, Jonathan Hastings, Duncan Ingraham, Justices of the Peace. 

Sworn before Nathaniel Gorliani, Notary Public. 

We, Nathan Barrett, captain ; Jonathan Farrer, Joseph Butler, and Francis 
Wheeler, lieutenants ; John Barrett, ensign ; John Brown, Silas Walker, 
Ephraim Melvin, Nathan Butlrick, Stephen Hosmer, Jr., Samuel Burnett, 
Thomas Jones, Joseph Chandler, Peter Wheeler, Nathan Pierce, and Edward 
Richard, Jr., ail of Concord, in the county of Middlesex, in tiie province of 
Massachusetts Bay, of lawful age, testify and declare, that on Wednesday, the 
19th inst., about an hour after sun rise, we assembled on a liill near the meotins: 
house, in Concord aforesaid, in consequence of information that a number of 
regular troops had killed six of our countrymen at Lexington, and were on 
their march to said Concord; and about an Jiour afterward we saw them ap. 
preaching to the number, as we in)agined of about 1,200 ; on which we retreated 
to a hill about eighty rods back, and the aforesaid troops tiicn look possession 
of a hill where we were first posted. Presently after this we saw them moving 
towards the north bridge, about one mile from said meeting house ; we then 
immediately went before them, and p.assed the bridge just before a party of 
them, to the number of about 200 arrived ; they there left about one half of 
these 200 at the bridge, and proceeded with the rest towards Col. Barrett's, 
about two miles from the said bridge; we then seeing several fires in the town, 
thought our houses were in danger, and immediately marched back towards said 
bridge ; and the troops who were stationed there, observing our approach, 
marched back over the bridge, and then took up some of the planks. We then 
hastened our steps toward the bridge, and when we had got near the bridge 
they fired on our men, first three guns one after the other, and then a consider, 
able number more ; upon which, and not before, (having orders from our com. 
manding officer not to fire till wo were fired upon,) we fired upon the regulars, 
and they retreated. At Concord, and on their retreat through Lexington, they 
plundered many houses; burnt three at Lexinglcm, together with a shop and a 
barn, and committed damage more or less to almost every house from Concord 
to Charlestown. 
(Signed) 
Samuel Barrett, Thomas Jones, Joseph Chandler, Peter Whcclfr, Nathan 
Pierce, Edward Richardson, John Barrett, John Brown, Silas Walker, Ephraim 
GO 



542 APPENDIX. 

Mclvin, Nathan Itiittrick.^Wophcn Ilosmcr, Jr., Nutlian Barrett, Jonathan 
Farrar, Joseph Butler, Francis Wheeler. 

Sworn before Jonathan Hastings, John Cummings, Duncan Ingraham, 
Justices of the Peace. 

Sworn before Nuthaniel Gorham, Notary Public. 

Lexington, April 23, 1775. 

We, John Hoar, John Whitehead, Abraham Garfield, Benjamin Monroe, 
Isaac Park, William Ilosmer, John Adams, and Gregory Stone, all of Lincoln, 
in the county of Middlesex, Massachusetts Bay, all of lawful age, do testify and 
say, that on Wednesday last, we wore assembled at Concord, in the morning of 
said day, in consequence of information received, that a brigade of regular 
troops were on their march to the said town of Concord, who had killed six 
men at the town of Lexington. About an hour afterwards we saw them ap- 
proaching to the number, as we apprehended, of about 1,200 ; on which we 
retreated to a hill about eighty rods back, and the said troops then took posses, 
sion of the hill where we were first posted. Presently afier this we saw the 
troops moving towards the north bridge, about one mile from the said Concord 
meeting house ; we then immediately went before them, and passed tiie bridge 
just before a party of them to tlie number of about 200 arrived ; they there left 
about one half of their 200 at the bridge, and proceeded with the rest towards 
Col. Barrett's, about two miles from the said bridge ; we then seeing several 
fires in the town, thought the houses in Concord were in danger, and marched 
toward the said bridge ; and the troops who were stationed there observing our 
approach, marched back over the bridge, and then took up some of the plank. 
We then hastened our march towards the bridge, and when wo had got near 
the bridge, they fired on our men, first three guns one after the other, and then 
a considerable number more, and then, and uoi before, (having orders t'rom our 
commanding officers not to fire till wo were fired upon,) wc fired upon tlio 
regulars, and they retreated. On their retreat through this town, (Lexington) 
to Charlestown, they ravaged and destroyed private property, and burnt three 
houses, one barn, and one shop. 
(Signed) 

John Hoar, John Whitehead, Abraham Garfield, Benjamin Monroe, Isaac 
Park, William tlosmcr, John Adiims, Gregory Stone. 

Sworn before William Reed, John Cummings, Jonathan Hastings, Justices 
of tlie Peace. 

Sworn before Nathaniel Gorham, Notary Public. 

Lexington, April 23, 1775. 
We, Joseph Butler and Ephraim Melvin, do testify and declare, that when 
the regular troops fired on our people at the north bridge in Concord, as related 
in the foregoing depositions, they shot one, and we believe two of our people 
before wo fired a single gun at them. 

JOSEPH BUTLER, 
EPHRAIM MELVIN. 



APPENDIX. 543 

COPY OF A LETTER TO GREAT BRITAIN. 

April 26, 1775. 

By the Governor and Company of the colony of Connecticut, in General 
Assembly, convened at Hartford, 26th of April, 1775. To the people of Great 
♦Britain. 

Whereas on the 19tlT day of April, 1775, a number of the inhabitants of the 
Massachusetts Bay, and also a number of the King's troops in that province, were 
killed by their firing on each other, in consequence of which, a genural alarm 
has taken place through all the colonies, and a very great army of Americans 
are collected near Boston, to oppose force to force. And whereas it is credibly 
reported to us, that depositions are taken and transmitted to Great Britain, 
affirming and shewing that the Americans were the aggressors, and began 
the fire: — Be it known, that a brigade of about 1,000 of the King's troops 
marched, in the night following the 18th, from Boston to Lexington, twelve 
miles, and there found in the morning following about 50 Americans collected 
for military exercise, without any knowledge that soldiers were near them, and 
accosted them with most profane and opprobrious language, and commanded 
them instantly to disperse ; which they obeyed, and began to disperse ; but at 
the same time the King's troops fired upon them, and repeated the fire a second 
time, and killed 8 men on the spot, before any fire was returned, and then but one 
American opened on them. And is it then possible to believe, that such a hand- 
ful would expose themselves to certain death, by beginning a fire on such a body 
of well-armed troops ? And it is declared by every voice, and universally believed 
to be without the least doubt or hesitation, that the firing began in manner afore- 
said, which may and will certainly be proved and attested by irrefragable evi- 
dence. This Assembly is firmly persuaded that this is the truth. And it is 
earnestly requested that if any of the nation doubts, they will suspend their 
belief, till evidence be received, which must convince every rational mind, that 
said troops were first in hostilities ; such evidence will be transmitted as soon as 
possible ; but it is impossible for this Assembly, at such a distance, to obtain it 
immediately. 

May, 1775. 

In the Lower House, Mr. Hosmer, Col. VVolcott, Col. Elderkin, and Mr. Stur- 
ges were appointed a committee, with such gentlemen as the Senate appointed, 
to consider what intelligence, papers, and documents were material and neces- 
sary to be transmitted to the Coiftinental Congress, then sitting in Philadelphia. 
Also, what matters and things relative to the transactions at Boston, it was ex- 
pedient to make public, and report. 

Report of the committee : — To the Honorable tlie General Assembly, now 
sitting in Hartford. We, your Honor's committee to consider what intelligence, 
papers, and documents are material and necessary to be transmitted and commu- 
nicated to the Continental Congress, now sitting at Philadelphia ; and likewise 
what matters and things relative to the late hostile transactions, it is expedient 
to make public — beg leave to report our opinion. 

First, That it is material and necessary, that copies of the letter wrote by the 
Governor to Gen. Gage, at the request and in behalf of the Assembly, and of 
Gen. Gage's answer to said letter, and of his narration of the proceedings of the 
troops on the 18th and 19th of April last, accompanied with a letter from this 



544 APPENDIX. 

Asseml)ly, slionld ho prrpn^BFand Iransmittcd to Col. E. Dyer, Roger Sherman, 
and Silas Dean, delofratos in the Continental Congress, as soon as may he. The 
narrative trotn the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts Bay, and the deposi- 
tions taken by and received from them, being, as we are well informed, already 
sent to said Contindital Congress, we arc of opinion it is not necessary to for- 
ward from hence. 

Secondly, That a concise and true narration of the late hostile attack, made 
by the troops undor the connnand of Gen. Gage, upon the inhabitants of the 
province of tiie Massachusetts Bay, with the depositions to support and confirm 
tJie same, should he prepared for the press, and printed and dispersed through this 
colony. And we further beg leave to submit it to the consideration of the As- 
sembly, whether it would not answer some good purpose, if the narrative of 
said transactions received from Gen. Gage, were printed and published with the 
narrative and proofs aforesaid. 

Per order, J. HAMLIN. 



THE PETITION OF OAPT. DELAPLACE, 

A PRISONER TAKEN AT TICONUEROOA, BY COL. ETHAN ALLEN, AND SENT TO HARTFORD, 

IN MAY, 1775. 

Tho Memorial of William Delaplace, a captain in His Majesty's 26th regi- 
ment, and commandant of the fort and garrion of Ticonderoga, in behalf of 
liimself and the officers and soldiers under his command, beg leave to represent 
our difficult situation to your Honors, and petition for redress. 

Your memorialist would represent, that on tho morning of the 10th of May, 
the garrison of the fortress of Ticonderoga, in the province of New York, was 
surprised by a parly of armed men, under the command of one Ethan Allen, 
consisting of about 150, wlio had taken such measures so eflfectually to surprise 
the same, that very liltle resistance could be made, and to whom your memori- 
alists were obliged to surrender as prisoners ; and overpowered by a superior 
force, were disarmed, and by said Allen ordered immediately to be sent to Hart- 
ford, in the colony of Connecticut, where your memoralists now are detained as 
prisoners of war, consisting of officers, and 47 private soldiers, of His Majesty's 
troops, besides women and children. 

That your memorialists being ignorant of any crime by them committed, 
whereby they should be thus taken and held ; also are ignorant by what authority 
said Allen thus took ihem, or that they are thus detained in a strange country, 
and at a distance from the post assigned thenf, they know not in what light 
they are considered by your Honors, conscquetitly know not what part to act > 
would therefore ask your Honors' interposition and protection, and order that 
they be sot at liberty, to return to the post from whence they were taken, or to 
join the regiment to which they belong; or if they are considered in the liglit 
of prisoners of war, your Honors would be pleased to signify the same to them, 
and by whom they are detained ; and tliat your Honors would affiard us your 
favor and proteclion during the time we shall tarry in the colony, and your me- 
morialist shall ever pray. 

Dated at Hartford, the 24th day of May, A. D. 1775. 

WILLIAM DELAPLACE, Captain, 

Commandant of Ticonderoga, 
[The General Assembly had no action upon the petition.] 



APPENDIX. 545 

FORTIFICATIONS AT NEW LONDON. 

On the 13lh of May, 1775, G. Salfonstall, Deshon, and Mumford, Esq'ra., 
who lind been appointed by the Assembly to devise the best method for securing, 
defending, and protecting the sea coast in the colony, with the ports and ship, 
ping — stated in tlioir report, that they found tlie battery at Now London in a 
ruinous condition, with four new 18 pounders, and two new 12 pounders, with 
several other small old cannon, upon vvhicli no dependence could be placed ; 
and proposed to the Assembly, to provide fourteen more new cannon, 24 pound- 
ers, to defend the port and shipping at New London. The committee advised, 
not that tlie twenty-four now cannon should be planted in one battery, but to 
place them in diverse places, where their forces would be divided, and their 
attention brought to different batteries at the same time, and of course render 
the attack of the enemy of less importance to us, and the resistance from the 
different points of mucii greater advantage. And proposed to mount five cannon 
at Mamacock, in New London, on the west side of the harbor, and five at Gro- 
ton, on the east side, nearly opposite to Mamacock; and ten of the heaviest 
cannon to be mounted on the high bank on Winthrop's Neck, fronting south to 
Iho entrance of the harbor, and near the middle of it. At that particular junc. 
ture, they deferred giving an opinion as to securing the sea coast and shipping, 
in any other manner than by making New London port an asylum for the ships, 
but referred it to the wisdom of the General Assembly. 



GOVERNOR TRUMBULL'S LETTER. 

A letter to Eliphalet Dyer, Roger Sherman, and Silas Dean, Esq'rs., by 
Jonathan Trumbull, Governor of Connecticut, dated 

Hartford, July 7th, 1775. 

Gentlemen, — I received your joint letter of the 26th and Mr. Sherman's of the 
28th of June, and am now to acquaint you that the General Assembly, which 
met here on Saturday last, have agreed to augment our troops with two regi. 
ments of 700 men each, who will be raised and sent forward to join the conti- 
ncntal army before Boston, with all possible despatch. It was much wished we 
could have had the advice and direction of Congress, before we took this step ; 
but it was thought that the delay of obtaining that direction, would be too great 
in the present critical situation of our affairs, and we hope it may meet the ap- 
probation of Congress. As the expense we are daily incurring is so very great, 
we should be extremely glad to find that the continental currency is in such 
forwardness as to be applied to the purpose of equipping and furnishing these 
troops ; should this be the case, you will be so good as to apply for the money, 
and forward it to me with all despatch. We estimate the present expense at 
;e40,000. It will be so much more convenient and less expensive for our troops 
stationed at New York, by order of Congress, to be supplied with provisions, 
&c., by New York, than from us, that we hope the Congress will direct the 
convention of that province to furnish them during their residence there, in the 
same manner as this colony has agreed to do — less than we have engaged them, 
I need not tell you, will by no means give them satisfaction. 

We were a little surprised that so large a requisition of money, especially, was 
made upon us in favor of Gen. Schuyler, when it is known how much we have 
already exhausted ourselves; and we cannot suspect but that the money might 
have been raised with great ease in a short time, either in Philadelphia or New 



54G APPENDIX. 

York, However tlint lining in oar power miglit be omitted to proniolo the 
service, the Assembly have agreed to advance him .ClSjOOO, knowing the ina. 
bility of other colonies with respect to llie other article, we should very gladly 
have complied with the full requisition, but it was impossible. VVc have done 
all that we could, arid are only sorry that wo could do no more. 

I cannot tell you that we are all well pleased with the arrangement, made by 
Congress, of the general officers. Wo wish the order, &c., adopted with our 
generals had been preferred, and fear Gen's. Wooster and Spencer will think 
they have reason to complain. Indeed we should have rather expected thai a 
matter of so much delicacy would have been first submitted to the approbation of 
the Assembly, before it was finally fixed. However, we will do the best wo can 
to prevent its being any prejudice to the service. 

JONATHAN TRUMBULL. 

P. S. I am now further desired, by the Assembly, to acquaint you that 
Gon's. Wooster and Spencer are held in great estimation by them, and by the 
officers and troops under their command. And from the intelligence lately 
received from the army, they are under some apprehensions that great inconven. 
ience will be the consequence of the alteration made by the Congress, -in ihe 
rank and station of those generals. At the same time they have the highest 
sense of Gen. Putnam's singular merit and services ; and request, if it be prac- 
ticable, that some method may be devised to obviate the difficulties thai are 
apprehended. 

Mr. James Dean, the bearer of this, is lately returned from a mission among 
the tribes of Indians in Canada. His information appears to us of importance ; 
we have therefore employed him on this journey, that he may communicate his 
intelligence to ihe Congress. 

. J. TRUMBULL. 

To Eliphalet Dyer, Roger Sherman, and Silas Dean, Esq'rs. 



GEN. Sl'ENCER SUPERSEDED BY GEN. PUTNAM. 

July, 1775. 

Soon after Congress had superseded Gen. Spencer, by the appointment of 
Gon. Putnam to the office of major general in the American army, it was appar- 
ent that it gave great offence to Gen. Spencer, and many of the officers and 
soldiers under his command, so much so that the officers of the army, at Rox- 
bury, in Massachusetts, made a representation to the General Assembly of Con- 
necticut, respecting the arrangement of general officers. And the Assembly, in 
July, 1775, appointed a comn)ittee, of which Matthew Griswold, Esq., was 
chairman, to take said representation into consideration. The committee to 
obviate the inconvenience that might arise from the alteration made by Con- 
gress in the rank of Gen's. Wooster, Spencer, and Putnam, which had caused so 
great uneasiness to Gen. Spencer, and the officers more immediately under his 
command, reported — 

That the Governor of Connecticut, in behalf of said Assembly, should be 
desired to confer with, and acquaint Congress with the estimation in which 
Gon's. Wooster and Spencer were held by the Assembly, and the officers and 
troops under their command ; that they had been so far overlooked in the ap. 
pointment of general officers by them, and of the probable inconvenience that 
might ensue ; and at the same time to testify their sense of the singular merit of 



APPENDIX. 547 

Gen- Putnam, and request Congress, if practicable, to devise some method. of 
obviating the difficulties apprehended. Also to desire the Governor to acquaint 
Gen. Spencer of said ppplicalion in his behalf, and conjure him, by the love of 
his country, to call to mind the signal affection of his country to him, so often 
testified, and request Gen. Spencer not to precipitately resign his command, 
which would distress the troops, attached to him by the warmest affection and 
duty, and give great dissatisfaction and anxiety to his country, which had 
placed and continued to place high confidence in his wisdom, prudence, integrity, 
and military skill. Gen. Spencer went to Roxbury the first in command of tho 
Connecticut forces, and had continued so, respected by his officers, and loved by 
his soldiers, until he was degraded from the rank he held, by the appointment of 
Gen. Putnam over him, by Congress. Though the appointments of Generals 
Washington and Lee were perfectly satisfactory lo the Connecticut troops, yet 
Gen. Spencer's men had too much military pride to see their general degraded 
by the appointment of (Jen. Putnam, who had held an inferior rank in the 
army. Therefore, S. II. Parsons, John Tyler, S. Prentice, Return J. Meigs, H. 
Champion, J.-., and about forty. five others, officers and principal men in tho 
Connecticut troops, stated to the General Assembly of Connecticut, that tho 
appointment of Gen. Putnam would and must force Gen. Spencer from tho 
army ; and tliat the procedure they apprehended would be injurious to the 
morals, good order, and discipline of the troops ; and most earnestly inlreated 
the Assembly to use every exertion with Congress, to prevent Gen. Spencer's 
being superseded, and to satisfy his troops. 



EFFECT OF THE EMBARGOES. 

July, 1775. 
Tho embargoes, which had been laid by this colony, and prevented the ex- 
porting from this State, might have conduced to the safety of it in supplying 
the Connecticut troops, and its .inhabitants; yet while it afforded these comforts, 
it operated most destructively upon tho vessels owned in the colony, which 
were long laid up and useless, decayed, destroyed by worms, and suffered to rot 
at the wharves ; while the large quantities of provisions that had been purchased 
for exportation were either sold at such prices as the commissaries chose to 
pay, or remained on the hands of the owners, much of which was ruined and 
became a total loss, with large bills of expense for storage. Frequent petitions 
were preferred to the General Assembly during the war, to be relieved from the 
burthens imposed upon importers, by the different embargoes that were laid 
upon the people of the colony and State, yet the love of country and a desire lo 
shake off the British yoke, induced the inhabitants to endure, with christian 
patience, every hardship of a most unjust, oppressive, and unequal war. 



WATERBURY TORIES. 

October, 1775. 

To the Honorable General Assembly, to be holden at New Haven, on the 2d 
Thursday of October, A. D. 1775. 

The memorial of the subscribers, inhabitants of Waterbury, within the limits 
of the military company, or train band, under the command of Capt. Hezekiah 
Brown, humbly sheweth — That your memorialists, sensible of the importance of 
supporting the natural and chartered rights, liberties, privileges, and properties 



548 APPENDIX. 

of the inhabitants of th«^Pherican colonies, and anxious to find any person or 
persons unfriendly to the continental method of defending said colonies, think 
ourselves obliged to inform your Honors, that the said Brown is disaflccted with, 
and unfriendly to the present method advised by the Continental Congress, and 
adopted by your Honors, for our common defence ; which fully appears by the 
followihg sentences pronounced by said Brown in the hearing of sundry people, 
at sundry times, viz. : that the Congress ought to be punished for putting the 
country to so much cost and charge ; for they did no more good than a parcel of 
squaws. And some time in the latter end of May last, did say, that he did not 
see the necessity of this colony raising soldiers, as it was unnecessary expense, 
and the Assembly had no right to do it ; and that Boston had wrongfully under- 
taken to quarrel with the Parliament about the tea, and we had no hand in it ; 
and by his justifying his brother, John Brown, in exclaiming against the authority 
of this colony for raising men to defend the colony ; and by saying that our Gen- 
eral Assembly was as arbitrary as the Pope of Rome, when they cashiered Capt. 
Amos Bronson, and Ensign Samuel Scovill, by saying that the Congress, in some 
of the Articles of their Association, was as arbitrary as ever they were in Rome. 
And soon after the battle of Lexington, in April last, by saying in the time of 
the alarm, that he would not go one step further for the relief of the people of 
Boston, than he was obliged to go. 

Therefore your memorialists would humbly observe, that as all military officers 
in this colony, hold their commissions by your Honors' authority, solely for the 
purpose of defending the lives, liberties, and properties of the people, we think it 
is very inconsistent that any person should hold a commission, who is inclined to 
use his influence against the authority that granted it ; and very unsafe for this 
colony at the present critical and important crisis, and is very grievous to your 
memorialists to be under the command of an officer in whom we cannot confide. 
And therefore pray your Honors to grant such relief as your wisdom and justice 
shall direct ; and we as in duty bound shall ever pray. Dated at Waterbury, 
this 3d day of October, A. D. 1775. 

(Signed) Joseph Beach, Phineas Castle, Daniel Bronson, Moses Cook, Amos 
Prichard, Thomas Bronson, Jr. 

On the 1st day of October, 1775, the warrant was served, which was signed by 
Jonathan Baldwin, Justice of the Peace. 



PETITION OF REV. SAMUEL SEABURY. 

December 20th, 1775. 
Samuel Seabury, rector of the parish of Westchester, in the province of Now 
York, brought his petition on the 20lh day of December, 1776, to the General 
Assembly of Connecticut, then sitting at New Haven, in which he stated, That 
on the 22d day of November, 1775, he was seized at his gratnmar school in said 
Westchester, by a company of about 40 armed men, carried by force to his own 
house, allowed only time to get his horse, then compelled to take the road to 
King's Bridge, where they soon met another company of armed men who joined 
them, and proceeded to Eastchester. Capt. Lathrop commanded the first com. 
pany, and after the union, Capt, Isaac Sears took the command of the whole, 
being about 100 men ; that after their arrival at Eastchester, said Seabury, with 
Jonathan Fowler, Esq , of Eastchester, and Nathaniel Underbill, Esq., of West- 
Chester, were sent under a guard of about 20 armed men, to Horse Neck, in 
this State ; and on the following Monday, was taken to New Haven, where he 



APPENDIX. 



549 



was carried in triumph about the city, escorted by a large number of men on 
horses and in carriages, most of them armed, and arranged themselves in front 
of the house of Capt. Sears ; there fired two cannon, and huzzaed for Seabury; 
lie was then put under a guard of five men, and sent to, and kept under said 
guard at the house of Mrs. Lyman, where he was kept, and refused any inter- 
course with his friends, even in company with his guard ; prohibited reading 
prayers in church, or performing divine service, though often invited by the 
Rev. Mr. Hubbard, of New Haven ; interdicted the use of pen, ink, and paper, 
except to write to his family, and his letters in such case examined and licensed ; 
though he was permitted by Capt. Sears to write his own petition to the General 
Assembly. He had received but one letter from his family, and that had been 
opened, though sent by the post. 

He farther stated, that he had been informed that on the 22d of said Novom. 
ber, one of his daughters, when said armed men were at his house, had been 
abused and insulted, by having a bayonet thrust through her cap on her head; 
also by thrusting a bayonet through her handkerchief on her neck, before and 
behind, and cut in pieces a quilt around which his daughters wore at work, 
with their bayonets, and destroyed it. That said soldiers ordered his wife to 
open his paper and money desk, and examined his papers, and took from the 
desk several dollars in money, and left but a single English shilling and three or 
four coppers. They also took a new beaver hat, a silver mounted horse whip, 
and two silver spoons. He had been informed by Mr. Meloy, of New Haven, 
that a bayonet had been pointed at the breast of one of his daughters, while ho 
was absent at his school; that his daughter met him when he was brought from 
his school house, and stated that one of the men had pushed his bayonet against 
her breast, and otherwise insulted her; and when she met her father, she had no 
cap on, and her handkerchief was hanging over her shoulders. 

After Mr. Seabury had been eight or ten days at New Haven, Jonathan Mix, 
in whose care he was placed, took him to the inn of Mr. Beers, in said town, 
where he found Capt. Sears, Capt. Lathrop, Mr. Brown, and others, \?hen and 
where they questioned him ; he explicitly answered them until he discovered 
some insidious designs were had against him, when he refused to answer them 
further, Capt. Sears informed him they should not release him ,o rmake a com- 
promise as had been made with Judge Fowler and Mr. Underbill, but should 
keep him a prisoner until the dispute between Great Britain and America should 
be closed. 

Mr. Seabury asked of them an explicit declaration of the charges against him ; 
and was told that he had entered into a combination with six or seven others to 
seize Capt. Sears, as he was passing through Westchester, and convey him on 
board a man-of-war. That he had signed a protest, at White Plains, against the 
proceedings of the Continental Congress. That he had neglected to open his 
church on the day of the continental fast. And that he had written pamphlets 
and newspapers against the liberties of America, 

To the first and last charges, Mr. Seabury pleaded not guilty, and informed 
them ho should be ready to prove his innocence when he should bo restored to 
his liberty in the province of New York, where alone ho conceived himself 
amenable. 

He considered his arrest as a high infringement of that liberty, for which the 
sons of America were then so nobly struggling ; to be carried by force from one 
70 



550 APPENDIX. 

colony into anollicr for imprisonment, or trial ; to be judged by tlio laws oJ' 
Connecticut, for acts done in tho colony of New York, wlicrc he bad resided 
nearly 20 years ; to be dragged under guard from the committee of his own 
county, and from the Congress of his own province ; cut off from all inter, 
course with his friends ; deprived of his evidence of innocence, and judged by 
strangers, ignorant of his character and general conduct in life. 

One great grievance justly complained of by the American people, and for 
which they were then struggling against, was the act of Parliament, which 
directed persons to be carried from America to England, for trial; and he be- 
lieved llio Legislature of Connecticut would not suffer him to be treated in a 
manner so destructive of that liberty, they were then contending for. Ho 
claimed, if he was to be judged by tho regulations of Congress, that the county 
committee, or tho provincial Congress of New York, were to be his judges. 
Ho claimed that no law authorized so urgent, cruel, arbitrary, and tyrannical 
treatment. 

Mr. Scabury answered the charge of signing a protest against the proceedings 
of Congress, by stating that the General Assembly of Now York, at their session 
previous, had determined to send a petition to the King, a memorial to tho 
House of Lords, and a remonstrance to the House of Commons, on the subject 
of American grievances ; and the members of said Assembly, as ho had been 
informed, recommended it to their constituents to keep quiet until the issue of 
the applications should bo known. 

In April, 1775, the people met at White Plains, to elect delegates to the pro- 
vincial Congress ; many there opposed the measure, and signed a protest ; said 
Seabury, with two members of said Assembly and more than 300 others, signed 
the protest, though he did not think he acted against the liberties of America, 
or that it was a crime to sign what two representatives of the people had ap. 
proved and signed, to support measures, he then hoped it would have had a 
good effect by inducing a change of conduct towards America. He stated, that 
over eight months had expired since he signed the protest — and asked, if his 
crime was so atrocious, why ho had been suffered so long to go unpunished ? 
And why /le had been singled out of more than 300 signers, to endure the unex- 
ampled punishment of captivity and unlimited confinement. 

To the other crime charged, of not opening his church on the day of the con- 
tinental fast, he answered— that he had no notice of the appointment, except by 
report. That he had been tried on this charge, with a full hearing, on a com- 
plaint by Capt. Sears, to tlie provincial Congress of New York, and acquitted. 
That he considered it cruel, arbitrary, and highly unjust, after his supposed 
offence had been examined, to be twice tried for the same offence ; to be dragged 
like a felon, 70 miles from home, and again tried. He also stated, that he had 
a wife and six children, to whom he owed his protection, support, and instruc. 
tion ; that his family in a great measure depended upon his daily care for their 
broad ; that he was bred a physician, and that several families at Westchester, 
depended upon his medical advice; that as a clergyman, he had in charge the 
towns of Eastchester and Westchester, and that there was then no other clergy- 
man of any denomination nearer than 9 miles from his residence, and but one 
within that distance; so that in his absence there was none to officiate in any 
religious service, to visit the sick, or bury the dead ; that to discharge his debts, 
he had opened a grammar echool, and had made ;C100, York money, the previous 



APPENDIX. 551 

year, nnd was in a fair way of discliarsring liis debts; that ho had five young 
men from tlie island of Jamaica, one from Montreal, four children of a gentle- 
man then in England, with others in his care from New York, and the country ; 
tliat it might be impossible to recover his school, in which case, iie should be 
entirely at the mercy of his creditors. 

Mr. Seabury had applied to the judges of the superior court, while holding a 
court at New Haven for relief; but they deemed it improper to interfere, llo 
therefore applied to the Assembly to be released ; and asked for their protection, 
to pass peaceably out of the colony. 

lie had been accused of violating the rules of the Continental Congress ; but 
he thought he could satisfy reasonable men on that point, that he violated no 
regulation of Congress, in so gross a manner, as those had violated the law, 
who, in an arbitrary manner, had forced him from his house, and kept him (then) 
four weeks a prisoner, without any means or prospect of relief. He wished, if 
any further enquiry should be made, tliat he might be purmitled to appear at the 
Bar of the House, and answer for himself, or by counsel, or as they should 
direct. 

The petilion, in the Assembly, was referred to a joint committee of the two 
Houses, with William Samuel Johnson, Esq., as chairman, who reported, that 
a letter had been received from the President of the New York Congress on the 
subject; and that to enable the Assembly to ansvi'er said letter, a public hearing 
should be had before both Houses of said Assembly. 



REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON FORTIFICATIONS AT NEW LONDON. 

November, 1775. 
To the Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Governor of the Colony of Connecticut: 
Whereas your Honor and Council of Safety, on the 2d day of November 
inst. appointed me, with Maj. Dawes, (now residing in Norwich,) with such 
engineer as your Honor should procure from his Excellency Gen. Washington 
to repair to, and view the circumstances of the harbor and port at New London 
and neighboring places, and consider of the most proper i)laces, and manner of 
fortifying the same against our enemies, fee, according to act of Assembly, <fec. ; 
after whieh it so happened that no engineer could be procured. 

That on the 8th of said November, your Honor directed me to wait on said 
Maj. Dawes, and with him to attend on and perform said service in the best 
manner we could. That on the 9th day of said November, I, at Norwich, waited 
on said Maj. Dawes, informed him of his biiing appointed in manner aforesaid, 
and requested him, with me, to attend said service, (which service the said Maj. 
Dawes declined for reasons which he judged sufficient to excuse him ;) on which, 
by the advice of some of your Honor's Council of Safetj-, I went forward to 
New London and Groton to execute said trust, and do the service, in the best 
manner I could, by the assistance, information, and help of the principal gentle- 
men of said towns. On my arrival I sent to a considerable part, and gave 
notice to almost all the gentlemen living on the banks and near the harbor in 
New London, among whom were many who, by travelling and other ways, had 
gained considerable knowledge in fortification, batteries, and securing harbors, 
&c. I then informed them of your Honor's orders, and that I would with them 
view the several places mentioned by the Assembly's committee, and any other 



552 APPENDIX. 

they would propose as BuflPjle to build works on, for the security of the harbor • 
on which it was the voice of all, that the places mentioned in the committee's 
report were far the best on the harbor, and were so formed and situated, that 
with much the least expense and danger might be improved for security of that 
port. 

We then went on and viewed the island or point called Mamacock, with the 
make, rise, and fall of the ground to and from the point, or place where the bat- 
tery must stand — found the distance from tlicnce to the old fort, to the harbor's 
mouth, and directly across the river ; which, on viewing, all were of opinion 
that the places were good for the purpose. The top of the east part is near 20 
feet above the water ; on the top principally flat rocks ; near by plenty of turf 
suitable for constructing and making of a rampart or bank. Suppose a bank of 
80 feet, fronting near east the same'length, south the same, north, not on right 
angles, with five embrasures in each rampart or bank, without bastions or 
trenches without the works, and five cannon, 18 or 24 pounders, well mounted, 
which might with ease be removed from place to place as the service might re- 
quire. This battery, if built, would be 182 rods from the old fort, a little over 
two miles from the harbor's mouth, and the waters of the river or harbor, near 
east, opposite, 192 rods, would command the harbor in every place north-east 
and south, within reach of their shot. 

We then viewed the place called Winthrop's Point, and find the south bluff 
part of that point is twenty feet above the water, very steep, mostly hard 
gravel, pointing down the harbor to the harbor's mouth ; a fine level on the top, 
(near the water,) to build a battery or breast work for the improving of cannon 
to secure the port of New London. The land leading to the point so rises, and 
has sundry hills and vales that any number of men may pass and repass entirely 
safe from ships in any part of the harbor. Materials, viz. : turf and gravel plenty 
and handy. Suppose ten guns, 18 or 24 pounders, would be well to be planted 
at this place. 

Then viewed sundry places at Groton, and were attended by, and had the 
advice of many of the gentlemen of that town, who all manifested their desire 
that the port of New London might be fortified, which they, as well as the peo- 
ple at New London, supposed might be done at as little expense as any harbor 
or port, (equally valuable,) on the continent. 

On examination, viewing, &:c., find that there is in Groton, nearly opposite 
the old fort at New London, a hill or an eminence, the summit or top of which 
is about 120 feet above the surface of the water, and within 50 rods of the water's 
edge, at whicli place the ship channel is not more than 160 rods in width ; on 
the summit of this hill, the harbor, from the entrance to the north part thereof, 
(and some way up the river,) is open and in view. On this hill it seems nature 
had prepared a place to plant cannon for the protection of that port or harbor ; 
the top running near the same point of the harbor, north and south, for some 
distance, is considerable level, suflicient to improve such number of cannon as 
would be necessary ; and east and west sufficient for breast work and platform for 
the cannon. Then the declivity of the hill is such east, that any number of men 
by stepping a few steps back of said works would be out of danger. The form 
of the land is such that all passing to and from a battery there, could be secure 
from the enemy. It is thought no large man-of-war can so elevate her cannon 
in her lower tier as to annoy a battery at this place ; if she could reach thence, 



APPENDIX. 553 

they would be random shot. I suppose no works would be necessary here for the 
improvement of cannon, only a breast work or bank of turf and gravel, not 
more than 10 feet thick, of suitable height for the cannon to play over without 
embrasures, bastions, or trenches. Turf and gravel plenty. Ten 24 pounders 
would answer, but some larger would be better. I need not observe the great 
advantage the defenders would have at this place, over their enemy ; the eleva- 
tion is such that they may plunge into their ships, if within reach of their guns. 

Also viewed the new works at the old battery, executed by Col. Saltonstall, 
which are well done, and nearly finished ; the cannon well mounted ; the situa- 
tion good, if other batteries, at some or all the other places are built, and cannon 
planted so that the enemy's fire be drawn to different places, and not centre 
there ; but if batteries were built at all the other proposed places, and with a 
suitable number, and proper weight of cannon, the situation and diflferent an- 
gles that those places bear one to the other, would expose any ship that should 
come within reach of their shot, within the harbor, to be distressed, annoyed, 
and raked fore and aft. 

As to the expense of the works at those places, I endeavored, by the help of 
some best acquainted, to make some estimate ; but found on trial, that it was 
not possible to be done with any degree of certainty. The people of Groton, at 
their own expense, have, at sundry places near the water's edge, made breast 
works and entrenchments to protect them in the use of their fire arms, on the 
landing of troops on or near their wharves, and other places, which they arc 
determined to oppose to the last. These works are very well done, and at con- 
siderable expense, in which the people appear free and spirited. 

As to floating batteries to defend the port and harbor against the enemy's ships, 
when they come with defiance and a determination to possess themselves of that 
part of our country, they cannot be sufiicient, without fixed batteries at some or 
all the places proposed, to secure and defend the port from invasion and falling 
into the possession of the enemy. I own, I never till lately gave much attention 
to the business or art of fortifying harbors, or building forts, batteries, &c. ; but 
the alarming situation and distress in which our country is in, and ministerial 
designs and vengeance, aimed at our sea coast, has called my attention to look 
into matters of that kind ; and so far as I can judge, it is of the utmost impor- 
tance to secure the port and harbor of New London from falling into the hands 
of our enemies, which will be an asylum for ships, vessels of force, floating 
batteries, <S;c., that be by the continent or any particular governmet built for the 
protection of our sea coast, trade, or country, which shall come that way ; but 
on the contrary, if left destitute of protection, and fall into the hands of our 
enemies, it would let them into the bowels of our country, and give them great 
advantage against us, that the best and only sure and eligible manner of forti- 
fying and securing said port and harbor, is in erecting batteries at the several 
places, and in some manner as before mentioned. 

All which is submitted to your Honor's wisdom, 
and I am your Honor's 

most obedient humble servant, 

JEDEDIAH ELDERKIN. 

Windham, November 15, 1775. 



554 APPENDIX. 

^^ Gf.nerai- Assembly, December, 1775. 

Ill the Lower House. 

The within report is accepted, and his Honor tlie Governor witli his Council 
of Safety be appointed, autliorized, and empowered to take measures for car- 
rying the same into execution in the best and most speedy manner. 
Concurred in by the Upper House. 

Test, Richard Law, Clerk. 

Test, George Wyllys, Secretary. 



LIST OF OFFICERS TAKEN BY THE BRITISH AT QUEBEC. 

December 31st, 1775. 
The following is a list of the officers taken by the British at the attack upon 
Quebec on the 31st day of Decemb^-, 1775. Capt. D.Morgan, Lieut. William 
Heath, Lieut. Peter Bruin, slightly wounded, J. M. Guin, Charles Potterfield, 
Lieut. Archibald Steel, wounded, John Henry, Lieut. Francis Nichols, Matthew 
Duncan, Maj. John Lamb, Lieut. Andrew Moody, Capt. Oliver Hanchct, Capt. 
Samuel Lockwood, Abijah Savage, Qr. Master Benjamin Catlin, Capt. Eleazer 
Oswald, Col. C. Green, Capt. J. Tappan, wounded, Capt. Samuel Ward, Capt. 
Simon Thayer, Lieut. James Webb, Lieut. William Humphreys, Lieut. E. 
Slocum, S. Shaw, Maj. Timothy Bigelow, Capt. William Goodrich, Lieut. 
Samuel Brown, Lieut. John Compton, Lieut. Jolm Clark, Lieut. James Tisdale? 
wounded, Capt. H. Dearborn, Lieut Nathaniel Hutchins, Lieut. Ammi Andrews, 
Lieut. Joseph Thomas, Adjutant C. Foberger, a Danish officer, and about 300 
privates. [Connecticut Courant.] 



LETTERS FROM JOSEPH TRUMBULL TO GOV. TRUMBULL. 

Cambridge, February 29, 1776. 

Hon'd. Sir, — We are now very busily employed in preparing the horrid 
machines of war, death, and destruction. Sunday night is fixed on, as the time 
to take possession of Dorchester Hill, and Camp Hill, on Noddle's Island. The 
frost prevents our digging, therefore have prepared chandeliers and mantalets, to 
fill with cord wood and facines, to answer the same purpose. At the same time 
our floating batteries and flat-bottom boats are all prepared and fully ready for 
use. Our cannon, a full number, are mounted ; 40 rounds of cartridges of each 
size filled, and 40 rounds for small arms. Six large mortars, and a number of 
smaller ones are fixed ; the shells and carcases filled, and fuzees drove. The 
river is now opened, and the floating batteries are getting down. Our posts at 
Cobble Hill, Letchmere Point, and Lamb's Dam, are nearly ready ; the platforms, 
mortar, beds and blankets finished. Our taking Dorchester Hill, will draw out 
the enemy. The party at Noddle's Island, will divert the fleet, and Bunker's 
Hill. If they sally on Dorchester Point, they must leave not more than 1,200 
men in the town. If, therefore, they make a spirited attack on that party — a 
party from the middle division of the army will, with the floating battery and 
boats attack the town, under a British cannonade and bombardment from Cobble 
Hill, Letchmere Point, and Lamb's Dam. If the enemy should not attempt the 
party on Dorchester as soon as they are well established, we shall begin a brisk 
cannonade and bombardment on the town, from that and the other posts named, 
which we conceive must make the den very warm. 



APPENDIX. 555 

FROM THE SAME TO GOV. TRUMBULL. 

March 1st, 1776. 
Hon'd. Sir, — The crisis of public affairs, big witli the fate of America, approach 
with uncommon rapidity, which engross the thoughts, and fills the breast of every 
friend to his country with anxiety. How amazing is it that the sons of America 
should seek her ruin ! I am led to these reflections from the conduct of New 
York ; the defection there appears more apparent than ever. I am told not a 
barrel of salt provisions is to be had there, for the army, thousands of which have 
been shipped within these three months, no doubt a great part to the ministerial 
traitors, at Boston. Tryon that avowed enemy to our liberties they caress ; the 
language in their streets has been the men of war are their protection, and wished 
the ministerial troops in their streets as thick as they could stand ; that they feared 
nothing but the locusts from New England. Their Congress refused Col. Water- 
bury admittance into their barracks ; but he entered them without their consent. 
They have taken every measure possible to prevent the assembling an army there ; 
a countermand to Col. Dickerson with his regiment on their march from Penn- 
sylvania was forged, and he stopped thereby. It is more than probable, many of 
them were privy to that, (blacker than powder) plot of Tryon's to introduce 
Clinton, with his ministerial butchers there. Yet notwithstanding all this, by 
their address and intrigue. Col. McDougle, who never was in actual service, is 
Gen. Lee's second, andwill take the command there until Gen. Schuyler arrives. 
Lord Sterling is next to McDougle, who likewise was never in the service. Col. 
Waterbury is reduced from his rank, and for no other pretence, but that he had 
not a continental commission. Thus that army is deprived of the most experi- 
enced and bravest officers in the continent. Such measures give great uneasiness. 
I cannot but think some better regulations, and more effectual measures must be 
taken for the security of that place. I fear the committee from the British Par- 
liament will tend to divide us. I now see no other way left, but we must declare 
and avow the principles of common sense, which are the prevailing sentiments 
here. We are declared rebels ; and they are pursuing measures as far as they 
are able accordingly, to butcher us, as they did the poor innocent Carebbes. 
Can we expect any foreign assistance, while we acknowledge dependence on and 
subjection to the British Crown ? 



GOV. TRUMBULL'S LETTER TO THE DELEGATES IN CONGRESS. 

March, 1776. 

In a letter from Gov. Trumbull, dated Lebanon, 9th of March, 1776, to the 
Honorable R. Sherman, O. Wolcott, and Samuel Huntington, delegates to the 
Continental Congress at Philadelphia, — He acknowledges tlie receipt of his letter 
of the l9th of February ; also 17 pay rolls by Mr. Hooper, and 15 pay rolls by 
the last post, with Gen. Washington's certificate ; also informing them that the 
furnace at Salisbury was preparing, the hearth laying, ore, coal, and every 
necessary for casting, to have it in blast, and to cast cannon as large as 24 
pounders, by tlie close of next month, or early in May. A new construction of 
cannon had been received, the weight of one to carry a 36 pound ball, not more 
than one of the old 24 pounders — four pounds of powder a charge to do good 
execution, a great saving in the scarcity of powder — to be found in a treatise, 
by John Muller, professor of artillery and fortifications, and requested them to 
send him one, as it might be of great service to him. 

He then says, "an extract from a letter of the 29th of February, is enclosed 



556 APPENDIX. 

Cannonading and bombar^f began on Saturday night, four of the iron mortars 
are burst, and the brass Congress cracked and unfit for service, until new 
founded ; two provincials killed. On Monday night a party of 3,000 took pos. 
session of Dorchester Hill, and are likely to establish themselves there without 
much opposition — may the Lord of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, give 
them success, dispossess our enemies of the strong hold whore they have tramp, 
led on the properties of the poor distressed Bostonians and profaned the places 
dedicated to sacred use." 

He stated, that the ordering Gen. Lee to Canada, was not pleasing to many ; 
that the dangers at New York appeared more threatening than at Quebec ; 
stated that the Macaroni brought us only four tons of gun powder ; that he had 
supplied Gen. Washington largely from Connecticut. He hoped four tons 
would be replaced ; one ton to be lodged at Fairfield, one at New Haven, and 
two tons at Middletown, as soon as he could write for it from Philadelphia; 
728 pounds of powder was sent in casks to Canada. He stated that salt petre 
was making in considerable quantities ; each town obliged by law to erect works 
to manufacture it ; also, that powder mills at Windham and Hartford were 
erecting, and would be ready for use ; spoke of the scarcity of sulphur ; that 
there was a plenty of it at Montserat; that search was making to find it in 
Connecticut ; that there was an appearance of it in plenty at Gay Head, on 
Martha's Vineyard ; that he would soon inform them of the smelting of lead at 
Middletown. 

Cambridge, 6lh of March, 1776. 
Hon'd. Sir, — On Saturday evening last, at 11 o'clock, I went on Letchmere's 
Point, to see and hear the serenade of the night ; as had been before ordered, a 
musket was fired at that place as a signal for the firing a 24 pounder at Cobble 
Hill, after which a 13 inch shell was thrown from Letchmere's Point, and imme- 
diately after a 13 inch shell from Lamb's Dam ; they were all aimed at the town 
of Boston, and pursued their direction extremely well. I stayed there until 
near 2 o'clock, during which time a number of shots and shells were hove into 
that poor devoted town, and ten for one returned from them to us. This seren- 
ade was kept up until day light, and then ceased. Just as I came off from the 
fort, and had advanced 50 or 60 yards towards the bridge, came over the fort from 
town, four shells and six shot, which burst and fell around us like a shower of 
hail; it was in vain to attempt to dodge the shot; the shells we could see and 
evade, but they came so fast, that while we were dodging from one, we ran in 
the way of another, but happily we got safe off, and unhurt any of the party. 
The day before we had placed a 13 inch and a 10 inch mortar in Letchmere's 
Point; a 13 inch and a 10 inch mortar in Lamb's Dam, and the 13 inch brass 
mortar was also intended for Cobble Hill that night, but the excessive hardness 
of the frost rendered it impossible for the men to prepare her bed. Before the 
morning the 13 inch and 10 inch mortars on Letchmere's Point, and the 10 inch 
in Lamb's Dam all burst, but hurt no one but Col. Mason of the train, who had 
his leg bruised by the bursting of the 10 inch mortar at Lamb's Dam, where he 
was chief engineer for the night. The intent of this night's cannonade and 
bombardment, was to keep up the enemy, fatigue and harass them. On Sunday 
the 13 inch brass mortar was got to her place in Cobble Hill, and at 9 o'clock the 
cannonade and bombardment was resumed on our part, and returned as vigor- 



APPENDIX. 557 

ovisly by the enemy; but unfortunately at 12 o'clock, with the third cliarge, this 
mortar also burst. The two first shells from her, fell short of the town ; the 
engineer, Col. Berbank, at the third discharge, increased the charge of powder, 
and the shell went full into the town, but the britch of the mortar gave way. 
Col. Gridley said when he first saw her, and ever repeated it, even when she 
was going from the artillery park, that she was too slim in that part and would 
burst; it proved so, — but she has gone to Abington to bo re. cast. I rather 
fancy that had she been bedded in sand, we should not liave lost her, but our 
engineers are book men, and they don't speak sand. The cannonade and bom- 
bardment were continued all night till morning, as the night before. 

On Monday the proper dispositions were all made for taking post on the 
heights of Dorchester Point ; going upon Noddle's Island was before overruled 
in council, as not best. Three hundred teams, consisting of those belonging to 
the camp and the neighboring towns, were collected, and loaded with the neces- 
sary articles for the business, and about 2,500 men paraded, and the whole 
marched on upon the Neck, at dark, under the command of Gen. Thomas, who 
has conducted the matters with great wisdom and discretion. All concerned have 
acquitted themselves with great alacrity and honor. Every thing went on well, 
and they got themselves well covered before morning ; indeed I believe there 
never was so much work done in so short a time, and so well as that night. As 
soon as the party moved forward, a signal was given, and a very cannonade and 
bombardment began on the town, and was returned as warmly from the town, 
which continued the whole night incessantly. Near 300 shot and shells were 
thrown into the town, and they returned four or five for one. We by this means 
drew off their attention from Dorchester, and they vented their whole spleen by 
endeavoring to throw shells into Cambridge ; but they could not reach the 
colleges by near a mile ; this served our purpose, and the morning being a little 
hazy, we imagine they never discovered our post on Dorchester till near 8 o'clock 
in the morning. We fired the last gun in the morning, and there was a profond 
silence with the enemy, until about 11 o'clock in the morning; the haze going 
off, they discovered our people heaving up a strong redoubt at the foot of the 
great hUl, on a little eminence at the end of the causeway ; upon which they 
began to cannonade them from their battery of 32 pounders on the Neck, but did 
not molest or disturb them at all— they kept on their works. At 1 o'clock I was 
at Roxbury ; it seemed as if it had been raining men for some time. The gene- 
ral had ordered over two regiments from Cambridge, and had called in five 
regiments of minute men, and as many more almost, had come in volunteers, 
well armed and ready to take part in the conflict. To the honor of the militia in 
the neighborhood, it was said, they have behaved nobly on the occasion ; and I 
can't but say here also, that when those who had teams in the neighborhood 
were called on for their assistance, not the least excase was made, but one and 
all with one voice, said, yes .' I am ready — I will go with my team ; and many 
more came to assist than were called on, or than could be made use of. The tide 
served, at 12 o'clock, for the enemy to have sallied, which was fully expected, 
but we were wholly disappointed ; had they made a determined and vigorous 
attack on Dorchester Point, our floating battery, and boats of all kinds sufficient 
to carry 4,500 men, were all ready, field artillery, &.c. &c., prepared ; and Gen. 
Putnam, with two brigadiers, and the number of men above mentioned, were to • 
have gone into Boston from this place, and landed on the common, back of the 
71 



558 APPENDIX. 

town ; but their sitting stitf^Kd looking on our people at work on Dorchester, 
and not attempting to go out of their den, has defeated this part of our plan at 
present. In the afternoon, the enemy have been busied in getting their eftecls, 
&c., on sliip board ; and it yet remains with us uncertain, wheliier they will run 
away and leave us setting fire to Boston to light them ; or whctlier they will 
first como out, and attempt to flog us before they go ; and if they fail in their 
attempt, then go onboard ship and go off; or whether they will push off their 
most valuable effects, women, children, &c. &c., and keep tiie den as long as 
tliey can, in hope of reinforcement. 

Monday night we had a mulatto man, of Col. Sargeant's regiment, killed at 
Letchmere's Point, by the bursting of a shell which fell into the fort ; and at 
Roxbury, a Lieut. Major of the militia of that town, at 4 o'clock in the morn- 
ing, parading his men to go to Dorchester Point, had his thigh shot away near 
his body, of which wound he died before sun rise. These are all the men we 
have had killed ; and Col. Mason, and two or three more, are slightly wounded, 
no one badly; nor have they hurt any of our works, &c. Many of our shots 
and shells went fully into tho towii, and made a most horrid crashing, but what 
damage has been done we know not. We are in hourly expectation of some 
deserter, or some of tho town's peoph making their escape to give us intelli- 
gence ; but hitherto we know nothing. Last night we had no cannonade or 
bombardment; our design was answered in gelling post on Dorchester, and they 
never began or continued, after wo desisted ; but in tho night, came on a most 
violent storm of wind at the south, which has blown down some, and unroofed 
other houses, and we conceive must have done great injury to tho enemy's 
ships and boats. Last evening a ship and two brigs put off from Boston, full of 
troops, we supposed, to be landed on the back of Dorchester, but they are said 
this morning to be on shore, on Governor's Island, opposite the castle. Tho 
signal for an alarm is out at Roxbury, and I must stop. Thursday evening the 
alarm proved nothing; every thing remains quiet, and our works go on well; 
by Saturday night we shall take possession of Nook Point, next Boston, from 
thence our small mortars, howitzers, and cohors will reach the town and the 
ships, which will try their metal and determine their intentions, which I begin 
to suspect is to remain as quiet as possible, till their reinforcements arrive. Wo 
have no intelligence from town yet. 

JOSEPH TRUMBULL. 

To Gov. Trumbull. 

March 10th, 1776. 
Gentlemen, — I received the foregoing per post, last evening, near 9 o'clock; 
have hurried over a copy for your information. 
Yours, &c. 

JONATHAN TRUMBULL. 
Sherman, Wolcott, and Huntington, Esq'rs. 



GOVERNOR BROWN TAKEN PRISONER. 

April, 1776. 
Montfort Brown, Esq., Governor of New Providence, was taken a prisoner, 
and sent to this State, to the Governor and Council of Safety, by Admiral Hop. 
kins. He came in charge of Collector Stewart, on the 17th day of April, 1776. 



APPENDIX. 559 

The Governor of Connecticut enquired of Mr. Stewart, whether Gov. Brown 
was considered a prisoner ; if so, what was his crime ? Admiral Hopkins' letter 
was shewn him, and Mr. Stewart informed him that it was his duty to hold 
Gov. Brown in the same character the commander-in-chief of the continental 
fleet delivered him, and could not recede from it. And desired Gov. Brown to 
sign a parole prepared for him, with an assurance of kind treatment according 
to his rank. He declined signing it, as ho considered it dishonorable ; but gave 
his honor as a Governor and a gentleman, to abide at Windham, and abide 
directions, until orders should bo received from Congress. Gov. Brown men. 
tioned his bodily indisposition ; his baggage being at New London, he returned 
there, and agreed on his parole to return to Windham, on Wednesday or 
or Thursday of the next week. 



Mat 26, 1776. 
The selectmen of Ridgefield, in their petition, dated May 26, A. D. 1776, to 
the General Assembly, stated that the British in their incursion, and on their 
retreat from Danbury, passed through Ridgefield, and in so passing burned the 
grist mill and saw mill of Isaac Keelor ; also burned six dwelling houses and two 
barns, and killed and carried off a number of horses, sheep, and cattle. That 
the enemy took up their quarters there" over nig!»t, when they plundered tho 
inhabitants of nearly all their provisions, and a large share of their clothing, by 
which many were reduced to poverty, and the town unable to relievo all tho 
sufferers ; therefore prayed the Assembly to grant them relief. Upon which a 
committee was appointed ; and an order given the pay table on tho Treasurer in 
favor of the selectmen, for the sum of ;C250, to bo used for the immediate relief 
of such persons as could not subsist without such relief. 



June, 1776. 
In Juno, 1776, ninety.eight persons of the town of Goshen, signed a memorial 
to the General Assembly of this colony ; in which they stated that many of their 
inhabitants had enlisted in the continental army at the north ; that many of thera 
had the small pox, and were in necessitous circumstances for clothing, &c., and 
had applied to their friends and parents for aid, but as the inhabitants of Goshen 
had not had the disorder, they feared to go to their relief; and a number of men 
were then called for, to be raised for defence, the enlisting of which was im. 
pedcd by the fear of taking said disease. Tliat tho people of Goshen were much 
exposed by the return of soldiers from the north ; that it was then spreading on 
tho road from Canada to Goshen. Also stated that a place in said Goshen had 
been selected, one mile from any road, convenient for a pest house; and asked 
liberty of said Assembly, for the privilege of inoculating, without regard to the 
laws on said subject, under such rules as said Assembly should prescribe. 
Which petition was negatived by both Houses. 



On tho 19th of June, 1776, a company of householders w'ere formed, in the 
town of Sharon, and furnished themselves with warlike accoutrements, chose 
their officers, viz. : Caleb Tait, captain; Robert Stedman, lieutenant, end Joseph 
Lord, ensign, and reported themselves according to the law of the colony. 

July 4th, 1776. A similar company was formed in the town of Waterburj, 
and Jotham Curtis was chosen captain ; Timothy Fond, lieutenant, and Samuel 
Scovil, ensign. 



560 APPENDIX. 

RESOLUTIONS INST^fcTING THE DELEGATES IN CONGRESS. 

June, 1776. 
In Juno, 177G, Ihc General Assembly of lliis colony, passed resolutions to 
instruct the delegates of this colony, in Congress, to propose to Congress to 
declare the United Colonies free and independent States, absolved from all 
allegiance to the King of Groat Britain; and to give the assent of this colony to 
such declaration, when they shonld think expedient ; and to what measures they 
should tliink proper and necessary by Congress for forming foreign alliances, or 
plan of operation for mutual defence. To move and promote as speedy as con- 
venient, a regular and permanent plan of union and confederation of the colonies 
for the security and preservation of their just rights and liberties, and for mutual 
defence and security. Saving that tiie administration of Government, and the 
power of forming Governments for, and the regulation of the internal concerns 
and police of each colony, ought to be left and remain to the Colonial Legisla- 
tures ; and that such plan of confederation should be laid before such respective 
Legislatures for their previous consideration and assent. 



July, 1776. 
Jedediah Eldorkin, as chairman of a committee, reported to tlie General 
Assembly, that the inhabitants of the town of Saybrook, should be permitted to 
build a small battery for six carriage guns, at some convenient place in said 
town. That 20 men should be taken from the regiments then ordered raised 
for the defence of New London, &c., to join said inhabitants in erecting said 
battery, and defending the same, for such time as the commanding officer of 
said regiment should direct; and that three guns then there should be mounted 
on carriages, and three more provided ; and a sufficient quantity of powder and 
balls be provided for said guns, at the expense of the public. 



LETTER FROM GOV. TRUMBULL TO WILLIAM WILLIAMS, ESQ., 

GIVING A STATEMENT OF THE ARMY IN CANADA. 

Lebanon, July 26, 177G. 
Dear Sir, — I intend to give you the state of our army from Canada. Enclosed 
is a copy of Maj. Ely's report, on the subject of the small po x, with which he 
was charged. From others, with some things I learn from him, I think it ap. 
parent that our troops went most imprudently into inoculation near Quebec ; 
and when the enemy came out upon them, our army fled when there was little 
force to pursue ; that discontent, disorder, and confusion had taken place — 
clamor for want of supplies of clothing, provisions, and wages — and by degrees 
discipline and subordination failed ; every thing was neglected that tended to a 
reform. When Gen. Burgoyne, with the troops under him arrived, a general 
dispiritedness appeared ; the force at the Cedars was very inconsiderable, not 
more than 37 regulars, with 200 or 300 Indians ; that the latter were loath to 
go, and mostly tarried at Oswagatchi. Had our men behaved well, that defeat 
would not have happened ; this was occasioned by the same causes that are just 
before mentioned. Why they were in such manner neglected, and left with- 
out supplies and without their wages, is matter of wonder and astonishment ; 
and last spring there were ten battalions, amounting to about 6,400 men sent 
from New York to join this army. There were at the same time, in Canada, 
two battalions of Pcnnsylvanians, three from New England, one or two from 



APPENDIX. 561 

Jersey ; all of them strong, amounting at least to 4,000 men more, which, 
joined with the others, made the army upwards of 10,000 strong. There are 
now 3,000 sick, and about 3,000 well; this leaves near 5,000 to be accounted 
for; of them, the enemy have cast perhaps 1,000 — sickness another 1,000 — 
which leaves near 3,000; in what manner they are disposed of, is unknown. 
Among those who remain, there is neither order, subordination, or harmony; 
the officers as well as men, of one colony, insulting and quarrelling with those 
of another. 

This wretched situation of our troops, induced the general officers in a council 
of war, to determine on a retreat to Ticonderoga, and conclude on occupying 
a post on the east side of the lakes, very advantageous ; it is a height opposite 
the old works, which commands the entrance of the lakes Champlain and 
George ; it is almost inaccessible, except in two places, where they propose 
roads ; the rest is surrounded by rocks and precipices. Supplies may be easily 
had from Skeensborough, at the head of lake Champlain ; from hence they ex. 
pect easily to retire into the country — this, without a naval superiority oti the 
lakes, they will be obliged to do, notwithstanding the strength of their camp, 
unless very soon joined by 6,000 or 8,000 men. Mow they will maintain their 
naval superiority, I must confess myself much at a loss. They build a gondola, 
perhaps one in a week ; but where are they to find rigging for them — where the 
guns ? To be sure they have a great train of artillery, but very few of them 
mounted on carriages ; at present their materials and conveniencies for making 
tliem are very slender. They have neither places fit for them to work in, nor 
materials in that plenty, they ought to have. To oppose the enemy on the 
lake, they have a schooner of 12 carriage guns, a sloop of 8 guns, two small 
schooners to carry 4 or 6 each, and three gondolas, and the large schooner is 
now in good sailing order, and about to take a trip down the lake, to mako 
discovery. The sloop is a most unmanageable thing; it is impossible to beat 
up against a head wind in her. The two small schooners are not armed — the 
gondolas are not armed— and even the carriages of their guns are yet to be 
made. The enemy are at St. John's, repairing the works at that place, and 
building three schooners and two sloops; they have no doubt every thing ready 
to their hands, the rigging made, the guns mounted, and only the wooden work 
to perform, in which I fear they will have the advantage. 

Gen. Sullivan set oft" to New York and Philadelphia, in disgust at being su- 
perseded by Gen. Gates ; the latter was ordered to command in Canada ; the 
army from thence being retreated within the limits of New York, the command 
devolves on Gen. Schuyler. It is justly to be expected that Gen. Gates is dis- 
contented with his situation ; finding himself limited, and removed from the 
command, to be a wretched spectator of the ruin of the army, without power 
of attempting to save them. A truly' melancholy scene. Gen. Schuyler has 
gone to German Flats; writes me July I7th, "I arrived here yesterday, and 
found very few Indians. This day 150 Indians have come in, and we expect a 
numerous body of them in a few|^days. Mr. Rychman, a trader from Albany, 
who has been detained at Niagara, by the British officer commanding there since 
last year, because he was a friend to our cause, and had influence among the 
savages, has found means, by the help of (he Indians, to make his escape. I 
arrived here last night, accompanied by 21 warriors, of the Seneca Nation. The 
account he brings of the temper of the Senecas, (the nation who could distress 



562 APPENDIX. 

lis most,) is very favorabl^P^nd he assures mc, that he has reason to believe the 
Indians will not attack our frontiers." 

You are sensible the extreme busy season retards the filling our regiment going 
to New York ; and to this is added the dread of the small pox to those enlisting 
to go into service in the northern army. Now as business will soon admit men 
to leave it, without so much loss, and the fear of that infection prevailing in the 
northern army is relieved in so great a measure, I hope the battalions from this 
State will all be filled, and march to their several destinations. Nothing in our 
power will be omitted to promote it. My fears for the northern army and fron- 
tiers are great, besides what is mentioned above, and Maj. Ely's report. A re- 
form is absolutely necessary ; the soldiers are ragged, dirty, and many lousy ; 
clothing greatly wanted — some destitute of sufficiency to make themselves com- 
fortable and decent to appear ; to remedy this, shall send from hence, shirts, 
trowsers, breeches, shoes, stockings, and some woolen cloths, as soon as possi- 
ble. Subordination and harmony is next to be restored ; to do this, the officer 
that effects it, will meet with great trouble ; and when done, will expect to reap 
the honors of it. To prevent uneasiness and jealousies between the generals who 
were to have had the command in Canada, and in New "Vork, why is it not best, 
and even just, each command the same body of men as expected, without res- 
pect to the plan ; where Gen. Schuyler will have full employment at Albany, 
and below on the river, and at Tryon county, &c., while Gen. Gates commands 
the same army at Ticoderoga, &c., which it was expected he would have had in 
Canada. The good of the general service is the great object. Doth not a re- 
gard to what will keep up harmony, and prevent jealousies, come within it? 

Capt. Winslow, and his party of ship carpenters are arrived, and gone to 
work. Capt. Lester's going by water, did not get to New York until the river 
was invested with the ships, and they were obliged to take to the land. The 
1,000 felling axes, requested by Gen. Schuyler, are provided, and will be sent 
forward on Monday. Your kinsman is come to preach to us. Your family is 
well. Mr. Gerry keeps Sabbath here. Mr. Jay came here Friday for the loan 
of cannon to use on the North river. The twenty 9 pound cannon for the ships 
are ready for use, beared and drilled ; and we have lent him ten 12 and ten 6 
pounders. Msssrs. Hobart and John Broom were here yesterday, a committee 
from the New York Convention, to ask our assistance. They found we had 
made provisions, that six western regiments, next towards New York, might be 
called on by Gen. Washington, if needed ; this was one chief thing they had 
to ask. It is time to break off. This letter may be communicated, as you 
think fit — with my compliments to the other delegates, &c. 
With esteem and regard, dear Sir, 
Your affectionate 

JONATHAN TRUMBULL. 

r. S. By Friday's post, received Lord How's letter of the 20th of June, ult. 
and his declaration of pardons to all those who, in the tumult and disorder of 
the times, may have deviated from their just allegiance, and who are willing, by 
speedy return to their duty, to reap the benefits of the royal favor ; that pardons 
shall be granted, dutiful representation received, and every suitable encourage- 
ment given for promoting such measures, as shall be conducive as to the estab- 
lishing legal government and peace, in pursuance of His Majesty's most gracious 
purposes. In his letter he says,^» I have judged it expedient to issuie the enclosed 



APPENDIX. 5^3 

declaration, in order that all persons may have immediate information of His 
Majesty's gracious intentions." He desires me to promulgate it, assured of being 
favored with my assistance in every measure to restore the public tranquillity "J 
and requests such information as will facilitate the attainment of that important 
object. I shall by next post forward copies of both to Congress ; to them I shall 
refer him. Who began the war.^ Who withdrew his protection ? Who refused 
to hearken to most dutiful and humble petitions? Who invaded our rights? Is 
not the appeal made to the Supreme Director of all events? Will not the Judge 
of all the earth do right? Doth not pardon pre-suppose guilt? Are we guilty of 
want of duty and allegiance ? Could any thing but tyranny, oppression, injus- 
tice, cruel war and desolation, have driven us to cast off our mother country ? 
William Williams, Esq. 

August, 1776. 
By a petition of Ebenezcr Rogers, Judah Howd, Stephen Todd, Isaac In- 
gram, Jr., Samuel Monson, Jr., Simeon Johnson, Joseph Rogers, Robert Pier- 
pent, John Fowler, Jr., and Joseph Brockway, Jr., of Branford, it appears that 
on the 12th day of August, 1776, they marched for New York in Capt. Bald- 
win's company, under Col. Fitch, and there discharged their duty until the fore- 
part of September, vvhon they were taken sick with the dysentery and fevers, 
and were unable to do duty; yet remained in New York until the 14th of 
of September, when general orders were given for all the sick to be removed off 
the island of New York; and at their own expense, carriages were provided, 
and carried them as far as Rye, where they remained several days, without a 
supply of necessaries, and nearly without shelter, and in a feeble state of 
health. They hoped that some place would bo provided for them ; unable to 
travel far, their money nearly expended, when they supposed they must perish 
without relief; though providentially an opportunity offered for them to go to 
Branford by water, and they embarked on the 22d day of said September, only 
three days before their regiment was discharged ; by which misfortunes, they 
were returned as deserters, and therefore received no pay or wages, &c. ; and 
prayed the Assembly to pay their wages while absent, and the expense of their 
sickness. (Which petition was negatived.) 

August 1776. 

The following men were returned as dead and desertfed soldiers, on board the 
brig Defence, under Capt. Harding, in 1776, viz. : James Young, George Gee, 
John Howard, Richard Fry, Jared Ervin, Peter Thorp, Edward Ingraham, John 
Brown, Solomon Brown, Joseph Thomas, John Basson, James Maden, and 
William Harrison. £72 : 9 : 7 was paid to deserters and deceased. 

August, 1776. 
Gov. Trumbull, on the 12th day of August, 1776, issued an order to John 
McCall, of Norwich, captain of the company of Veteran Guards in the 20th 
regiment of militia, in this State, in which he stated that ho had received a 
pressing requisition from Gen. Washington, for a reinforcement of the army 
under his command in New York, to be taken from the militia as soon as 
possible ; and directed him forthwith, to convene his company, and as many 
others as would enlist, to the number of 93 with the officers; and march them 
immediately, in the most convenient way, by land or water, to the city of New 
York, and there join the 19th regiment of Connocticut militia, under the com- 
mand of Gen. Washington. 



564 APPENDIX. 

^ Septiimuer, 1770. 

By a letter from Nutliaiiiel Shaw, Jr., to Gov. Trunibull, dated .Scpleiuber 7, 
1776, it appears that after tlie Council had left New Loudon, the committee li.id 
sent a number of vessels to Long Island, and had brought away as many people 
as wished to come, and all tlie slock that was offered them to transport to Con. 
necticut ; and that on the 8lh of September, several more vessels would return 
to the island for the same purpose. But Mr. Shaw doubted whether any more 
stock would be sent, as the people there appeared to be determined to remain, 
and submit on as good terms as they could gel. 

September 1, 1776. 
By a letter dated Lebanon, September 1, 1776, from the Governor, to Mr. N. 
Shaw, Jr., the following orders were given, — as necessity required the sending 
of a number of troops from New London to the east end of Long Island, the 
Governor directed Mr. Shaw to procure necessary transports to carry over lo 
the island, Col. E. Wolcott's regiment of men, with their baggage, six field pieces 
from New London, with a sufficient quantity of powder and balls. Capt. 
Deshon was directed to forward a sufficient quantity of provisions for said 
forces ; and to so co-operate with him as to have the provisions sent with the 
troops. Informing Mr. Shaw that Mr. Andrew Huntington, of Norwich, had 
engaged of Capf. J. Perkins, one suitable vessel for said service, as a transport, 
or to convey stores ; and that other vessels could be obtained at Norwich, if 
needed, as he thought it quite likely a further number would soon be wanted. 

September 12, 1776. 
Mr. Nathaniel Shaw, Jr., by letter, dated September 12, 1776 to the Governor, 
informed him that his bomb brig was cleaned, rigged, and ready to receive guns 
on board, and capable of carrying twelve 4 pounders, with a good suit of sails; 
which he offered for the use of the Slate, if the Governor wished to purchase it. 
Mr. Shaw offered to receive the old brig in part payment. 

September, 20, 1776. 
Gov. Trumbull, in a letter, dated September 20, 1776, to Mr. N. Shaw, Jr., 
directed Mr. Shaw, as Col. Lippett's regiment of continental troops, raised by 
Rhode Island, was at New London, on their march to join the army, and in 
want of provisions, that he was of the opinion that Mr. Shaw might supply them 
out of the continental stores in his custody, with such quantity as should be 
necessary, and give seasonable notice of it to the commissary general. Also, 
that he expected Col. Richmond would march soon, and that Mr. Shaw would 
be expected to provide for his regiment. 

September 27, 1776. 
Nathaniel Shaw, Jr., informed the Governor, by a letter, dated New London, 
September 27, 1776, that the island of New Providence was so situated for trade, 
that Capt. Walker was quite certain it would be of great advantage to the 
United States to have supplies from that quarter, though the person who then 
acted as principal in the custom house, made all the difficulty in his power, in 
clearing out the vessels for Halifax. But he was only acting depnty to Mr. 
Babbage, who was a prisoner at Middletown, and who was brought into this 



APPENDIX. 565 

State by Commodore Hopkins. Capt. Walker was of opinion lliat if Mr. Bab. 
bago could be suffered to return on his parole, he would be of infinite service to 
the trade of that island, in pursuing the trade with the State. Commodore 
Hopkins had uniformly given Mr. Cabbage a good character. 



September 19, 1776. 
William Livingston, Esq., Governor of New Jersey, informed the Governor 
of Connecticut, by letter, dated September 19, 1776, that Mr. Franklin, (then 
late Governor of New Jcrsej',) had possessed himself of a chest, which contained 
minutes of the Council of said State, examinations in the Council, and other 
papers of consequence to that State, as was supposed, a few days previous to his 
apprehension, for the purpose of secreting them, which they had not been able, 
by the most diligent search to recover. The Governor of New Jersey, therefore, 
(as Gov. Franklin was a prisoner in Connecticut,) wished the State authorities 
of Connecticut to interpose, and cause the said Franklin, and his servant 
Thomas, who was suspected of being privy to said concealment, to be examined 
on oath, relative to said matter ; the said Thomas to be first examined, and be- 
fore he should have an opportunity to consult with his master. The General 
Assembly appointed Matthew Talcott, Esq., to examine said Thomas under 
oath ; also to examine Gov. Franklin on oath, as to the concealment, removal, 
and detention of said papers. 



NORWALK MEMORIAL. 

October 25, 177G. 

The committee of inspection, the selectmen, and justices of the peace, of the 
town of Norwalk, presented their memorial to the General Assembly, in which 
they stated, that on the 24th of said October, they had taken into their custody 
a number of their inhabitants, as tories, and were apprehending others con. 
stantly ; and prayed they should be tried, and have a day in court to defend ; 
though the populace entirely disapproved of such a procedure, because the law 
would only disarm them, which would not prevent plotting and planning, in a 
secret manner, their ruin, and by being permitted then to go at large, would 
have the better opportunity to plot their destruction. The memorialists were 
convinced, from the danger apprehended, they would not suffer the tories to go 
at large, but would hold them in custody, and not suffer them to be tried by the 
authority, &c. ; therefore that the town stood in the greatest need of the speedy 
interposition of the General Assembly that justice should bo done ; and prayed 
for a disinterested committee to be immediately sent to Norwalk, at the expense 
'of those they should judge just and right, with full powers in the premises. 

The same memorialists were informed that the major of the 9th regiment 
liad received orders to march the military companies and effective men of 
Norwalk to Horse Neck, and there to rendezvous until farther orders ; and that 
the inhabitants unanimously deemed themselves in a very dangerous situation, 
and expected momentarily to be attacked by the enemy and plundered ; that if 
said order should be effected, they considered themselves stripped of all defence, 
without a single person left to watch and ward, or make any opposition in case 
of an attack, while their interest and families would bo left to the merciless 
ravages of a blood-thirsty, cruel, and barbarous enemy, and a largo number of 
tories ; that their inhabitants wore much alarmed and very unwilling to leave 



566 APPENDIX. 

their homes ; and prayed^Rt tlicir militia might be stationed at Norwalk, which 
would satisfy their inhabitants far better than to bo sent to Horse Nock; and 
that it would be quite impossible, if any other regiments should bo ordered to 
Norwalk, to billet them in the town, as all the previous vacant houses were 
occupied by 400 or 500 sick soldiers, and if their own militia remained in tho 
town it would save the expense of camp utensils and quartering, and pruyed for 
relief. 



A PETITION FROM NEW HAVEN TO THE GOVERNOR, &c, 

October, 1776. 

It stated, That the memorialists, from thtir maritime situation, are more ex- 
posed to the destructive measures of our internal enemies, than their brethren 
who live more remote from the sea coast ; as the conveyance of intelligence to 
the British army, who are now in possession of the whole of Long Island, is 
liable to less interruption, than if there was a tract of inhabited country to travel 
through, before the camps of our enemies could be entered. These circumstan- 
ces, added to a full persuasion and belief that there are persons, now residents in 
this town, who at least would rejoice at the loss of our liberties, and we fear, 
contribute their mite to the obtaining that end, induce us to approach your Hon- 
ors on the present occasion. We should esteem ourselves very unfortunate, 
should we, in our zeal for the preservation of our liberties, entertain jealousies of 
any that are really friends to our country ; but if an early disapprobation of Con- 
gressional measures ; frequent assertions that we should certainly be overcome ; 
that it was in vain to enter the lists against so potent a power as Great Britain, 
invariably treating, with singular marks of approbation the professed enemies of 
American liberty ; in short, if an uniformity of conduct, the completion of which 
bears striking marks of their suspected character, will justify suspicion, wc flatter 
ourselves we shall stand acquitted by your Honors of the imputation of feigning 
our fears. 

Your Honors will permit us to point out the persons we have particularly in 
■view : Abiather Camp, James Curgenven, William Glen, Edward Carrington, 
Ambrose Ward, and Ralph Isaacs are the men we have in our eye ; besides 
particular acts and expressions of these men, which will admit of no construc- 
tion but what pronounces them unfriendly to the general cause ; they have by 
the whole tenor of their conduct, evinced to us most clearly the same point. — 
We therefore consider their residence among us to be dangerous to our safety. 
We are every night exposed to be destroyed by our open enemies ; we live on 
their borders, separated or^ly by a few miles of water, the absolute command of 
which is in their hands ; our internal enemies intimately acquainted with our 
harbors, and our defenceless situation can introduce them into our houses ; can 
involve us, our property, our wives, and our little ones in ruin, before we appre- 
hend their approach. The great law of self-preservation, therefore, calls upon us 
to leave no avenue unguarded — no measure that will procure our safety unessayed- 
As the laws of this State have not provided a remedy adequate to the evil, we 
are under the necessity of applying to your Honors, for your interposition in 
our behalf ; praying that your Honors would order and decree, tliat the afore 
mentioned persons be removed to some interior part of the country ; or that your 
Honors would in some other way make provisions for our security. This mode 



APPENDIX. 567 

of procedure, we conceive, is not unprecedented among civilized nations ; and, if 
we ai-e rightly informed, was very recently adopted by a neighboring State, with 
regard to persons whose conduct had not aiforded more grounds for jealousy than 
the conduct of those persons we have pointed out to your Honors. And your 
memorialists, as in duty bound, shall ever pray. 

New Haven, September 17, 1776. 
(Signed) 

Lamberton Smith, James Gilbert, Thomas Wilmott, Allen Mather, Jonathan 
Osborne, John Scott, Josiah Burr, Ather Jervis, Abel Burritt, Michael Todd, 
Nathaniel Fitch, Samuel Munson, Edward Meloy, David Gilbert, Silas Merri- 
man, Jonathan Edwards, Amos Gilbert, Samuel Horton, Zephaniah Hatchi 
Ezekiel Hotchkiss, William Scott, John Ailing, David Osborne, John Mire, 
Jeremiah Parmalee, Jr., Ebenezer Lines, Caleb Hotchkiss, Hezekiah Parmalee, 
Stephen Bradley, Pierpont Edwards, John Wise, Samuel Wilmott, Eliphalet 
Brush, William Doak, Samuel Huggins, David Dongal, Joseph Peck, Fitch 
Allin, Joel Gilbert, Joseph Hull, Timothy Bradley, Henry Daggett, Samuel 
Clark, Hezekiah Sabin, Jr., Elias Beers, Caleb Ford, Robert Townsend, Isaac 
Doolittie, Silas Kimberly, Ebenezer Townsend, Jacob Daggett, Benjamin 
Dorchester, Benjamin Brown, John Sherman, Jr., Isaac Bishop, Stephen Her- 
rick, Jacob Pinto, Abraham Pinto, Jonathan Austin, Isnac Jones, Major 
Lines, I. Cosens Ogden, John Lathrop, Stephen Hotchkiss, John Benham, Asa 
Hotchkiss, John Pierpont, Philip Binford, Phineas Bradley, Paul Noyce, Ste- 
phen Peck, Jonathan Brigden, Nathan Beers, Giles Mansfield, John Storrs, Jr., 
James Prescott, Samuel Thacher, Israel Munson, William Punderson, Gold 
Sherman, Samuel Squire, Isaac Gorham, Benjamin Woodin, Isaac Sears, Sam- 
uel Green, Tuley Blakslee, Ezekiel Eays, David Beecher, Job Potter, Samuel 
Clark, Jonatiian Brown, Joseph Mix, Stephen Sanford, Jr., Jonathan Mire, 
Stephen Pardee, Samuel Griswold, Enoch Moulthrop, Aaron Gilbert, John 
Hotchkiss, Nathan Dummer, John Denison, Joseph Smith. 

A true copy, as on file, 

Attest, Benjamin Huntington, Clerk. 

At a meeting of the Governor and Council of Safety, September 27, 1776. — 
Upon the memorial of Isaac Doolittie and others, inhabitants of the town of 
New Haven, setting forth the fears and apprehensions they are under on account 
of sundry persons suspected of being inimical to the liberties of America ; pray- 
ing this Board to take the matter up, and order and decree such suspected per- 
sons to be removed, <S:c., as per memorial, dated September 17, 1 776 : 

Voted, That the consideration of said memorial, and the matters therein con- 
tained, be referred to the Hon. General Assembly, to be holden at New Haven, 
on the second Thursday of October next ; and that in the mean time a citation 
go forth thereon, to cite said suspected persons therein complained of, to appear 
before said Assembly, to make answer thereto ; and that the civil authority, 
selectmen, and committee of inspection for said town, be directed to make en- 
quiry, and collect the evidence relating thereto, and lay the same before said 
Assembly, that justice may be done thereon. 

A true copy of record. 

Attest, Benjamin Huntington, Clerk. 

On the final trial Ralph Isaacs and Abiather Camp were found guilty. 



568 appendix. 

iIRnington memorial. 

October 11, 1776. 

To the Honorable Iho General Assembly, now sitting at New Haven : 

Tlio memorial of the committee of correspondence and inspection of the town 
of Stoningtoii, and sundry of the inhabitants of said town, most humbly 
sheweth — That whereas your Honors thought fit in your last session, in May, 
to grant for the defence and protection of this place, a captain and 90 men ; 
since which one-haif have been ordered to New London. Your Honors may 
remember, that this town is the only one in this Slate, that has received any 
damage from those sons of tyranny and despotism, sent by that more than 
savage tyrant, George the Third, to deprive us of those unalienable rights that 
the Supreme Governor of Heaven and Earth has invested us with. 

Your memorialists therefore pray that the number of men ordered and destined 
as above, may still be continued ; and that the two 18 pounders and four 12 
pounders, and shot, &c., that were ordered in your former session for this place, 
may be delivered as soon as possible ; as the harbor is perhaps more used by 
coasters, and vessels bound to sea, than any harbor in this State; and is a placo 
of great consequence, not only to this, but other States. We therefore beg 
leave to inform your Honors, that several vessels have lately been chased into 
this harbor by the King's ships, and have here been protected. 

Your memorialists furtiier pray, that the three large cannon, (now at New 
London) belonging to this town, bo likewise ordered to this place; and the two 
field pieces that were lent by this town to the town of New London, bo ordered 
back to the town of Stonington. We therefore flatter ourselves that this our 
most reasonable request will be granted. And your memorialists, as in duty 
bound shall ever pray. 

Stonington, October llth, 1776. 
(Signed) 

Nathaniel Minor, Paul Wheeler, John Brow, Jr., John Denison, Henry 
Babcock, Simon Rhodes, Committee. 

Joseph Denison, Alexander Bradford, Robert Stanton, Nathan Palmer, Na- 
thaniel Palmer, Nathan Palmer, Jr., John Daviss, Andrew Palmer, Michael 
Ash, Lemuel Dewey, John Rathbun, John Ratlibun, Jr., Peleg Brown, Elisha 
Denison, Asa Palmer, Edward Hancox, Jr., Oliver Hilliard, John Dodge, Peter 
Crary, Clement Minor, Naboth Chesebrough, John Minor, 2d, John Newmon, 
Andrew Brown, Elkanah Cobb, Samuel Salterlee, Sands Niles, Thomas Robin, 
son, John Denison, 5th, Elijah Utley, James Tripp, Edward Ells, Zebulon 
Chesebrough, John Hancox, Samuel Chesebrough, Moses Brumley, Jonathan 
Gray, William Stak, Henry Burtich, William Chesebrough, James Palmer, 
Nathaniel Crandall, Jared Crandall, Rufus Palmer, Elijah Palmer, Thomas 
Stanton, 4th, Asa Lewis, Nathan Hinckley, Elijah Hinckley, John Rock, James 
Noyes, Jr., Edward Crosby, Wiatt Hinckley, Elihu Babcock, George Batolph, 
Abel Hinckley, James Noyes, Peleg Noyes, John Randall, Eliphalet Budington, 
James Cornish, John Breed, Jr., Isaac Brown, Fish Brown, Hempsted Minor, 
Thomas Randall, John Denison, Joseph Champlin, Walter Palmer, Jedediah 
Thompson, Thomas Palmer, David Thompson, Charles Thompson, William 
Thompson, Joseph Vincent, Nathaniel Fanning, Thomas Leeds, Phineas Stan- 
ton, Jr., Stephen Babcock, Joseph Page, Gilbert Fanning, Daniel Hobart, John 
Cotton Rossiter, Eliphalet Hobart, James Hancox, John Hailey, Peleg Chese. 



APPENDIX. 569 

broufrli, Nathaniel Follows, Nathaniel Fellows, Jr., Simeon Iliscox, Thomas 
Iliscox, Israel Lewis, Sylvester Pendleton, Akors Sheffield, William Palmer, 
Eliplialet Budiiigton, Jr., Charles Welch, Job Taylor, William Scovill. 
licjected in both Houses. 

Attest, Benjamin Huntington, Clerk. 

Test, George Wyllys, Secretary. 



GROTON MEMORIAL. 

October, 1776. 

To the Honorable General Assembly of the State of Connecticut, to be held 
at New Haven, on the second Thursday of October, A. D. 1776. 

We, your Honors' petitioners, being often alarmed by the appearance of more 
or less of the King of Great Britain's ships coming near the harbor of New 
London, and do not know how soon tliey will come into our harbor, or land a 
number of troops, and ravage the country near it. And as your Honors are 
fully acquainted with the sea coast near this harbor, being very much stripped 
of men, both for the army and navy. For which reasons we, your Honors' 
petitioners, beg leave to entreat of your Honors to give the necessary orders for 
the 1st company of militia belonging to this town, to return home ; that both 
their and our wives and children may be partly relieved from the very great 
anxiety they are now in ; and your humble petitioners, as in duty bound, will 
ever pray, &:,c. 

Groton, October 11th, 1776. 
(Signed) 

John Williams, Ezekiel Bailey, Luke Perkins, Vine Starr, Richard Starr, 
Nathan Forsith, James Starr, Jasper Latham, Walter Budington, Ebenezer 
Ledyard, Edward Jeffrey, James Street, William Ledyard, Ebenezer Avery, 3d, 
Elnathan Perkins, Joseph Latham, Jonathan Latham, Christopher Latham, 
Ebenezer Avery, Elislia Brown, Thomas Lester, Benjamin Bill, Samuel Lester, 
Nicholas Starr, William Wood, Daniel Latham, Thomas Chester, David Avery, 
James Avery. 



PETITION OF JAMES WILSON. 

New Haven, October 16, 1776. 
James Wilson, a native of Boston, in Massachusetts, represented by his me. 
morial to the General Assembly of this State, that he was boatswain on board 
the brig Betsey, Robert Knowel, master, commissioned by Congress to cruise 
against the enemies of the United States, and sailed in said brig from Newbury, 
port, on the 26th of September, 1775, and took two vessels owned by the sub- 
jects of the King of Great Britain, and arrived in the French West Indies, and 
there loaded said brig with ammunition for the United States ; but on their 
return they fell in with the Kingfisher man-of-war, a ship of force acting against 
the United States, when an obstinate engagement of 22 hours ensued, in which 
said Wilson was shot through each leg with musket balls, and wounded by 
small shot in one of his arms, which disabled him ; and being at mast-head when 
shot in his legs, he fell from the same and broke all his ribs on the left side of 
his body. They soon after submitted to the Kingfisher's superior force, and 
wore carried into Hampton Road, near Norfolk, in Virginia, and there landed, 
by the cruel order of Lord Dunmore, put on shore with the other wounded men. 



570 APPENDIX. 

vvitliout any of the nccei^pics of life, and in his disahind siUiation had arrived 
at New Haven on liis way iiomo ; that he had lived on charity by begging, and 
prayed the Assembly to grant him a small sum of money to enable him to return 
Iionie. The Legislature granted him ;e3 lawful money. 

October, 177G. 

The committee appointed to consider tlie subject matter of a letter from Gen. 
Schuyler, of the 16th of October, 1776, reported, to request the Governor to 
issue a proclamation, to order and exhort the militia, and all other effective men 
in the State, to immediately equip and be in readiness to march upon the shortest 
notice. 

On the subject of a letter of the 15th of October, 1776, they reported, that the 
5th regiment of light horse, with the two northern companies in the 1st regi- 
ment, under Maj. Sheldon, siiould forthwith be ordered to march into the pro. 
vince of New York, at or near Fishkill, to be employed at such places as Gen. 
Washington should direct. The Governor to issue his proclamation accordingly. 



COMPLAINTS AGAINST TORIES. 

October, 1776. 

It was represented to the General Assembly, that there were a great number of 
persons in the western towns of Connecticut, who were inimical to the liberties 
of this and the other States, who were forming dangerous insurrections, and 
using every method in their power to give intelligence to the enemy, to comfort 
and assist them, and to distress the inhabitants of their towns, and produce anar- 
chy and confusion among the people. Thomas'Fitch, Andrew Adams, and Isaac 
Lee, Jr., Esq'rs., were appointed a committee to examine the facts, and report to 
the Assembly. 

A similar complaint was made by the inhabitants of New Haven, of several 
tories in said town. Capt. Camp was proved to have been in company with 
Gov. Franklin, Gov. Brown, Babbage, Irwin, &:c., who were tories. Mr. Isaacs 
had been frequently at Gov. Brown's quarters, and walked in the street with him, 
and seemed to be pleased to be in the company of tories, He declared that in 
the battle on Long Island, the King's troops suffered or sustained a small loss, 
and the continental troops a very great loss ; and that the continental troops 
would not stand fire, but would give back, and the people would come in as they 
had done on Long Island. He requested Joseph King to carry some fine black 
fish to Gov. Brown, at Middletown ; all which was proved on the trial of said 
Camp and Isaacs. The Assembly ordered them to be removed to the society of 
Eastbury, in Glastenbury, to remain within its limits, under the direction of the 
civil authority and selectmen, at their own cost, until further orders ; to receive 
no letters, nor send any to any person, until examined by the civil authority or 
selectmen, &c. &c, 

October 17, 1776. 

Caleb Baldwin, of Newtown, in Fairfield county, informed the General As- 
sembly, that on or about the 23d day of November, 1775, there were a number 
of tories in said town, inimical to the United States ; and that about 200 men, the 
friends of liberty, under the command of Lieut. Col. Ichabod Lewis, proceeded 
to Newtown, and remained there two days, in reducing and disarming said 
tories ; all of whom, with their horses, were kei)t at the sole expense of said 
Baldwin, amounting to about £40 lawful money ; and requested remuneration 
from the State. 



APPENDIX. 571 

COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 

October, 1776. 

Letters had been sent from Col. Ethan Allen, while he was a prisoner in Hali- 
fax, to the General Assembly, in behalf of himself and his fellow prisoners, from 
this State, which represented their distressed situation, and asked for relief. 

The Assembly appointed a committee to examine the subject matter of the 
letters, &c., who reported, that Col, Allen, with about 18 others, natives or inhab- 
itants of this State, had been captured in the service of the United States, near 
Montreal, in the province of Quebec, on the 25th day of September, 1775, by a 
party of armed men of the King of Great Britain, and appeared to have suffered 
great hardships during their captivity ; and were then confined, in a suffering 
condition, in the common gaol in Halifax. 

They also reported that Levi Allen, of Salisbury, a brother of Col. Allen, was 
about attempting to visit his brother, in Halifax, and advised the Assembly to 
send by said Levi Allen, £60 lawful money to the prisoners, as part payment of 
their wages due from the State, for their relief. Also to request the Governor to 
write to Gen. Washington, or the Continental Congress, (or both,) and strongly 
recommend, and earnestly request such seasonable and friendly interposition as 
would be most likely to procure a speedy exchange of the prisoners. 

The following persons were taken prisoners with Col. Allen, and were with 
him in Halifax gaol, viz. : Roger Moore, of Salisbury ; Peter Noble, (made his 
escape to Cape Fear, in Carolina;) Levi Barnum, of Norfolk ; Barnabas Cane, 
Preston Denton, John Gray, of Sharon ; Zachariah Brinsmade, of Woodbury ; 
William Drinkwater, of New Milford ; Jonathan Mahee, of Goshen ; Levi Mun- 
son, of Wallingford ; Samuel Lewis, William Gray, David Goss, of Sharon ; 
Amos Green, Jonathan James Burque, Ithureil Flowers, of Hartford ; Charles 
Stewart, of Stamford ; Ebenezer Mack, of Norfolk ; and Adonijah Maxum, of 
Sharon. 

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON PRISONERS OF WAR, &c. 

October, 1776. 

At the October session of the General Assembly of this State, in the year 
1776, a committee was appointed, of which Matthew Griswold, Esq. was chair- 
man, to devise the best method to dispose of prisoners of war, and persons sus- 
pected of being tories. 

The committee reported, that all prisoners of war, who had been or should be 
sent to this State, should be kept together, at some suitable place or places within 
the State, so that the officers should not hold or have any intercourse or access 
with the non-commissioned officers or soldiers, or the inhabitants of the State ; 
and be subject to the orders and regulations of the Governor and Council. 
That all such persons as were adjudged dangerous and removable, or were 
already removed as tories, should be all sent to some suitable place within the 
State, and there kept at their own expense, under proper guards, and to con- 
verse with no person except in the presence of the officer or officers of the guard. 
That the Governor of this State should notify the General Assemblies or Con- 
ventions of the neighboring States, that they should engage for the support of all 
tories they should send to this State to be secured, who were not able to support 
themselves. That the civil authority, selectmen, and committees of safety in the 
several towns in this State, should have power to confine within certain limits, 
or to remove all tories within their respective towns, as they should, upon enqui- 
ry and examination, judge to be inimical to the States, at the expense of such 



572 APPENDIX. 

persons. And that th^^bvcmor and Council should determine the place of 
confinement of all tories as should be so removed, and give orders for their gov- 
ernment and support, guard, Sea., necessary for their proper security and good 
behavior. 



PROPOSED EXCHANGE OF PRISONERS BY LORD HOWE. 

Eagle, (off New York,) November 15, 1776. 

Lieut. Barker is to repair in the pilot tender, with a flag of truce, to the port 
of New London, in Connecticut, having charge to negotiate on the part of 
Lord Howe, with the principle inhabitants, or persons of the greatest authority 
in that colony, an exchange of prisoners ; officers for officers in each class, and 
sailors for sailors, according to the enclosed list of American prisoners now on 
board the fleet. Mr. William Howland is permitted to attend Lieut. Barker, in 
view to forward the proposed exchange by such means as his knowledge of the 
country, and principal inhabitants, shall suggest. Mr. Howland is permitted to 
land from the tender, being by his parole engaged to return with Lieut. Barker, 
to receive the benefit of the general exchange, if it take place ; or otherwise to 
remain under the circumstances of restraint, from which he is temporarily 
released for the purpose before mentioned. HOWE. 

Lieut. Barker. 

November 15, 177G, 
We, your Honors' committee, appointed to consider of the application made 
by Lord Howe, for exchange of prisoners in the marine or naval department, 
now report it as our opinion, that such an application to this State, is altogether 
improper and inconsistent ; and that the same ought to have been made to His 
Excellency General Washington in the first instance, with whom a negotiation 
of this sort, between him and Lord Howe, has already been proposed ; and that 
his Honor the Governor, be desired to advise Gen. Washington of this singular 
application, and of the opinion of this Assembly thereon ; and that ho also sig- 
nify to Lord Howe, or the commander of the flag, through whom the application 
was made, as he shall judge proper, the impropriety of said application to this 
State, assigning the pendency of the negotiation aforesaid. 
Signed per order, 

J. HUNTINGTON. 
Lower House. 
The above report is accepted and approved. 

Attest, Benjamin Huntington, Clerk. 

November 22, 1776. 
It appears by a letter, dated New London, November 22d, 1776, from Jede. 
diah Elderkin and Nathaniel Wales, Jr., to Gov. Trumbull, that upon the 22d 
day aforesaid, about 1 o'clock, a small schooner with a flag appeared in New 
London harbor, which greatly surprised the citizens. She came within about 
one mile of fort Trumbull, lay too, and lowered sails, with her flag up. A 
whale boat was sent to her, with armed men, to go on board of her, and soon 
returned with Capt. Howland. Several gentlemen from Groton and New Lon. 
don, with Messrs. Elderkin and Wales, examined Capt. Howland ; he informed 
them that on the Ist day of November, 1776, ho sailed from Bedford, in Massa- 



APPENDIX. 573 

cluiscUs, for Surinam, loaded with horses, candles, &c,, and was taken soon 
after he sailed and carried to New York, where himself and his men were put on 
board of a ship which had 140 prisoners on board ; in one berth, between decks, 
on two-thirds allowance, where the prisoners were very sickly, and many of 
them died. And that ho used his influence to procure the flag of truce to go to 
Connecticut, to endeavor to eflect an exchange of prisoners; that he left New 
York the Monday previous, and that the news of taking fort Washington 
arrived in New York on the day before ; and he saw the prisoners come in, 
about 3,700 men, and staled that the garrison surrendered at the moment the 
enemy were about to take it by storm. Capl. llowland had with him a copy of 
his parole. 

Another boat went to the flag from the fort, and brought a letter for the Gov- 
ernor of Connecticut. Several gcnllemon were sent on board directed to request 
Lieut. Barker for a copy of his instructions from Lord Howe, which he readily 
gave, and politely remarked that he was distressed for the prisoners, that they 
were in want of clothing and much interested for an exchange. Lieut. Barker 
had a list of all the prisoners, and offered to give a copy, but stated that he came 
for the prisoners in the naval department alone. They queried the lieutenant 
why application had not been made to Gen. Washington for the exchange. 
He replied, that they did not know where to find Gen. Washington, as he 
ciianged his location so often. 

Messrs. Elderkin and Wales stated, that they had been informed in New 
London, that a number of sea captains and other officers, who had been taken 
on board merchantmen and private ships of war, who were brought into Provi- 
dence and places adjacent, by armed vessels, about sixty in number, had 
purchased a vessel at Providence, for the purpose of reluming to Europe, some 
of whom were from New London, and were soon to sail. On the arrival of the 
flag at New London, Mr. Elderkin, &,c., immediately informed Gov. Cook, of 
Rhode Island, of the condition of our prisoners, and sent to him, copies of Lieut. 
Barker's orders, Rowland's parole, &c., and intimated to him the propriety of 
stopping the oflrcers (who had been taken prisoners,) from sailing ; that Capt. 
Howland was at New London, who was not permitted to view the forts, &c., or 
going to Hartford, as he was a stranger. The flag, with Lieut. Barker, and the 
men, &c., were kept under guard, to wait and learn the pleasure of Gov. Trum. 
bull upon the subject. 

The General Assembly appointed Col. Erastus Wolcolt and Capt. John 
'Deshon, to advise and determine on the expediency of entering into any nego- 
tiation with Lieut. Barker on the exchange ef prisoners in the marine depart, 
ment; with power if they should judge best, to enquire after and obtain such 
marine prisoners as they should be enabled ; and to agree on time, place, and 
manner of exchange, and to treat with said Barker as they should think prudent 
and best. 

Lieut. Barker at the time he first sent Capt. Howland on his parole, on shore, 
sent by him a letter, (dated Pilot Tender, New London, November 2JJd, 1776,) 
i directed to the Governor or principal inhabitants of New London ; in which he 
slated, that he was empowered by Lord Howe to negotiate respecting the ex- 
chantfc of prisoners on board the fleet at New York, and requested an interview ; 
and stated that he sent him on his parole for three days to accelerate the ex. 
change. By Capt. Rowland's parole, it appeared he was authorized to ncgo- 
73 



674 APPENDIX. 

tiato for exchanges of prUwcrs either in Connecticut or Rhode Island, on board 
tiie fleet, for an equal number of British prisoners, ofEcers for officers in each 
class, and sailors for sailors. 

November, 1776. 
On the 19th day of November, 1776, Abiathar Camp, of New Haven, who 
had been ordered to Eastbury, by the General Assembly, for confinement as a 
lory — applied to the Assembly by petition, in which he stated, that ho was a 
professor and member of the church of England ; and asked to be indulged in a 
free exercise of his religion in attending religious worship at Middletown, on 
Sabbath days, &c., which was the nearest church of England to said Eastbury. 
Which petition was negatived. 

November 28, 1776. 
Thaddeus Betts, Esq., of Norwalk, as agent for the town, petitioned the 
General Assembly, in which he stated, that Norwalk was located in this State, 
on Long Island sound, nearly opposite to the town of Huntington, on said 
island, where the British had usually stationed one or more of their ships of war 
and tenders, and a garrison of soldiers on the shore ; that the ships and tenders 
often cruised ofFNorwalk harbor, and had landed and plundered in the vicinity ; 
that the town was thickly settled, which was the most exposed to the attacks of 
privateers of a moderate size ; that provisions and implements of war were 
deposited to a large amount, owned by the United States, and the town destitute 
of cannon or fortifications to defend them, and therefore in imminent danger, 
and exposed to the depredations of the enemy ; and prayed the General Assem- 
bly to loan to said town six cannon, or 6 pound field pieces, with a sufficient 
quantity of powder and balls for their defence. Which petition was granted. 



November, 1776. 
The Hon. Jabez Hamlin, as chairman of a committee, reported, that in order 
to prevent an actual scarcity of the necessaries of life for the army and inhabit- 
ants of the State, that a further embargo should be forthwith laid, in addition 
to the one then in force. Which report was accepted and approved by the 
General Assenibly. 

NEW MILFORD COMMITTEE OF INSPECTION. 

November 27, 1775. 
At a meeting of the committee of inspection, of New Milford, November 27, 
1775, twenty. five persons of the town came before the committee ; expressed 
their regret at the unhappy divisions in this country ; acknowledged they had 
said and done many things to strengthen the division on the part of those who 
opposed the liberties and rights of a free people, and made a full and frank 
acknowledgment to the committee ; disapproved of several acts of Parliament, 
and confessed they had changed their opinions, and approved of the Congres- 
sional measures, as adopted by the Assembly of Connecticut ; and were sensible 
their opposition to American freedom, arose too much from local circumstances, 
without being influenced by the principles upon which the controversy between 
the two countries depended : Therefore retracted all words and actions complain- 
ed of ; confessed their sorrow and regret, and prayed that they should be over- 
looked ; and declared their bosoms warm with friendly sentiments to the rights 



APPENDIX. 575 

and privileges of the Americans ; declared their disbelief in the declaratory act 
of Parliament, that Britain had a right to bind the colonies in all cases; that 
there could not be a legal taxation, without representation, or a constitutional 
trial for life without a jury of the vicinage, according to Magna Charta ; shewed 
their willingness to oppose all such demands, and prayed they should no longer 
bo considered enemies of their country, &c. &c. 

The committee accepted of their confessions, and restored the twenty-fivo 
persons to the usual favors of their fellow men. Which facts wore signed by 
each ; examined by Daniel Everett, clerk of the committee, and published in the 
Connecticut Courant. 

[Note. — It was a common occurrence far many of those who were suspected 
of being tories, to appear before the committee of inspection in their towns, to 
exonerate their characters from the imputation ; and when satisfaction was not 
made to the committee, the offender was often published in -the Connecticut 
Courant, and disarmed, if not committed to prison.] 



COL. ALLEN'S RECEPTION L\ IRELAND. 

January, 1776. 
I here insert the following extract of a letter from the city of Cork, in Ireland, 
when Col. Allen was on his way to England, a prisoner of war from Quebec. 

" The following occurrence must give satisfaction to the friends of suffering 
America ; When Col. Ethan Allen, with about 90 other prisoners, arrived at 
Cork, in the Solebay, two gentlemen went on board to enquire into their situa- 
tion, and to assure them of the disposition of several gentlemen in the city, 
(Cork) to alleviate their distress. Col. Allen was so affected with this instance 
of unexpected generosity, that the expression of his gratitude could hardly find 
utterance. His treatment on board the Solebay, was far different from the barba- 
rous and cruel usage he experienced in his passage from Quebec, being then 
handcuffed and ironed in the most dreary part of the vessel, and basely insulted 
with cruel and unmanly reflections, by some of the officers of the ship, whom 
he challenged in Cornwall, without obtaining satisfaction. 

" A subscription was begun among some friends of the cause of liberty, and 
in a single day, near 50 guineas were collected to purchase clothes for his men, 
and necessaries for himself; and if liberty can be got of Capt. Williams, to put 
live stock on board, I can assure you, Col. Allen will be exceedingly well pro- 
vided. We this day sent a hamper of wine, sugar, ' fruit, chocolate, Szc, on 
board, for his immediate use ; and to-morrow intend to prepare the sundry arti- 
cles, of which he sent a list. 

" I inclose you a rough copy of his answer to our letter to him. Should he 
have permission to come on shore, he will be entertained by some of the first 
gentlemen of this city. I have not been refused by a single person on the sub- 
scription." 

[Copy of Col. Allen's note in answer.] 

'• Gentlemen, I received your generous present this day with a joyful heart. 
Thanks to God, there are still the feelings of humanity in the worthy citizens of 
Cork, towards those of your bone and flesh, who, through misfortune from the 
present broils in the Empire, are needy prisoners." 

Dated Cove, January 24, 1776. 



57G APPENDIX. 

^^ November, 177G. 

On the 5lh day of November, 177G, R. Fairchild, J. Brooks, and D. Jiidsori, 
of Stratford, staled to the General Assembly, by their memorial. That the town 
of Stratford was greatly exposed in its location, to the British troops ; that Long 
Island, then in the possession of the enemy, was at a distance of about 20 miles, 
separated from the main land by the sound ; that along point of land extended 
from the meeting-house into the sound about 4 miles, which afforded a safe and 
convenient landing place for the enemy from Long Island, as well as a safe place 
for lories to escape daily, undiscovered, and inform the British on the island, of 
the situation of the town and State. Also, that they had great fear at that time, 
particularly on account of a late expptlition from the main to the island, as Strat- 
ford vvas opposite to Brookiiaven or Sautucket, where the Rhode Island regiment 
landed and brought away some tories ; and feared their enemies from said island 
would soon attempt to land in said town, and make depredations, unless a guard 
should be posted at said point of land ; and stated that their troop of horse had 
gone into the service, and they were deprived, by death and sickness, of the aid 
of one-half of the militia, who had marched to New York in August previous; 
and prayed for a guard of 20 men, under a proper officer, to be stationed at 
Stratford. 



Januart 11, 1777. 
Governor Trumbull, in a letter to the commissioned officers on board the brig 
Defence, dated Middletown, .January 11th, 1777, remarked, that the Governor 
and Council had been informed that the enemy were cutting and loading wood 
on Shelter Island, and that armed vessels might act in concert safely against 
them and annoy the plunderers. The Governor directed them to consult the 
officers of the armed vessels in New London, and if they should judge it pru- 
dent, and could attack them with success, to act with them, if they thought fit 
or give their attention immediately to promote the cruise. 



MEMORIAL OF TPIE INHABITANTS OF NEWFIELD, 

(now BRIDGEPORT.) 

January 14, 1777. 
The memorial of the people living near Newfield harbor, in the township of 
Stratford, in Fairfield county, humbly sheweth : That Newfield harbor is dis- 
tant from Stratford between three and four miles, and there are a few inhabitants 
settled near the water ; and this harbor is convenient for, and almost the whole 
of the navigation of the town is carried on from this harbor, and though there 
has been occasion enough given by our tory enemies, yet no effectual measures 
have been taken to secure this harbor, although there has within a few months 
past been taken and carried away out of this harbor ; in the night season, nine 
vessels and boats by our tory enemies from among ourselves, who have from 
time to time gone off to the enemy ; the last was a sloop of about 20 tons, taken 
off and carried away in the night to the enemy, about eight days ago, by 44 
tories ; and there is great reason to believe that Mr. Matthews, mayor of New 
York, and several other prisoners, have made their escape from this harbor, in 
some of the boats and vessels that have been taken away, together with our tory 
enemies ; and there are so many persons, living but a little way from this harbor, 
that are unfriendly to their country ; that these enemies of their country, can 



APPENDIX. 577 

always bfi secreted until a favorable night arrives for them to steal a vessel and 
go oft*; and there is no possible way to prevent further mischief of this kind, but 
by a constant guard being kept at the harbor ; for unless this is done, we have 
reason to believe, that what has been done by the tories, is but the beginning of 
the mischiefs that are to be apprehended from these deserters of their country's 
cause. The friends of the deserters will sometimes threaten, that those that have 
gone off" in this way, will soon return in circumstances to make themselves res- 
pected and feared, and that it will not be long before new laws will be established 
here, that will prcycnt people being oppressed, &c. 

This liarbor has always been the place for Newtown, so famous for tories, to 
resort to, in all their trade and trafiic, and it is now the capital place of resort 
for all our tory enemies to go out; and we have great reason to believe, that 
great numbers more are now watching another convenient opportunity to get out, 
and go off with Maj. French, who is lurking about, not far oft', we have reason 
to believe ; and there are ships every day hovering about, and at night, often- 
times come to within a few miles of this harbor ; and we have reason to believe, 
that as soon as the weather moderates, those tories, with the aid of our other ene- 
mies, will return again into this harbor, and destroy the lives and properties of the 
friends of our own government; and we are humbly of opinion, that the safety 
of tiie people requires that there should be a guard of 25 men constantly stationed 
at this harbor, with two small cannon mounted on travelling carriages, to protect 
the people and harbor ; and earnestly entreat your Honor and Council, (or 
Assembly if sitting) will be pleased to give orders for it. 

For the particular state of facts, we beg leave to refer your Honor to the bear- 
ers, Messrs, David and Aaron Hawley, Abraham Hubbell, and William Wordem 
who hve at and near the harbor. We humbly pray your Honor's attention to 
these matters, for they are important ; and \vc as in duty bound shall ever pray. 
Dated in Stratford, this 14th day of January, A. D. 1777. 
(Signed) 

Ezra Hawley, Richard Hubbell, Jr., Ephraim Hawley, Jr., Wilham Hawley, 
Timothy Wheeler, Zachariah Sanford, Jabez Beach, Gilbert McKinsy, David 
Waklee, Elnathan Edwards^, Ephraim Hawley, Joseph Strong, James Knap, 
Hezekiah Hubbell, (one of the committee of inspection,) Benjamin Lacy, John 
Nichols, Gideon Hubbell, Josiah Treadwell, John Hubbell, Benjamin Hubbell, 
Benjamin Wheeler, Samuel Waklee, Stephen Starlin, Jabez Sommers, Elna- 
than Sommers, Abel Lewis, Samuel Cable, Elnathan Sherman, Ebenezer Sher- 
man, Squire Beardslee, Nathan Seeley, John Hall, Walter Hubbell, Samuel Odell, 
Abel Waklee, Lewis Sturges, Waliret Hawley, Elijah Hawley, Samuel Hawley, 
William Hubbell, Abijah Sherman, Thaddeus Bennett, Jr,, David Sherman, 
Lemuel Treadwell, Jr., Ebenezer Gregory, Andrew Beardslee, Josiah Lacy, N. 
Feet Jackson, John Odell, Ezra Winton, Samuel Wordin, William Wordin, Zach- 
ariah Treadwell, David Treadwell, Joseph Knap, Thomas Hawley, Jedediah 
Wells. — The prayer of the foregoing memorial was granted. 



On the 19th of May, Gov. Skeen, a prisoner of war, taken at Ticonderoga, 
and who had been for some time in Hartford, was committed to gaol by the 
committee of prisoners, for refusing to sign a parole. 



By a pay roll of officers and men who belonged to the OUver Cromwell, made 
by Capjfe. Harding, it appears, he paid his men £2,317 : 14, 



578 APPENDIX. 

^^ February, 1777. 

Ry a return of officers, seamen, and marmes belonging on board tlio ship 
Oliver Croiiuvoll, February 24tl), 1777, it appears there were of officers and 
seamen present, 81 ; in gaol, 1; deserted, 39 ; discharged, 16; absent without 
leave, l3; murdered, 1 ; sick, 1 — total, 152. Officers and marines present, 21 ; 
deserted, 7; discharged, 14; absent without leave, 5 ; on furlougii, 20; drown, 
ed, 1 ; sick, 1 — total, G9. Boys present, 7 ; deserted, 2 ; on furlough, 3 — total, 12' 



CAPT. COIT'S LETTER TO THE GOVERNOR AND COUNCIL. 

March 17, 1777. 

Respected Sir, — By Capt. Roberts I am informed that Lieut. Mclally is dis. 
charged from the Oliver Cromwell ; and he desired mo as from your Honors to 
nominate some one in his place. Your Honor and your Honorable Council, 
will be pleased to hear me represent some matters which, perhaps, may cluci- 
date the situation of the ship ; with all the earnestness that I was capable of, 
engaged a sufficient number of good men, and was told that every other matter 
should bo ready to my hand. 8ince, many months ago, every means that 
human mind can invent, has been used to persuade my crew to leave the ship, 
and so far have succeeded against me, as to carry away at least, 100 good sea- 
men. By the dismission of Melally, it makes a vast confusion on board. Party 
will be party ; men who are fond of excusing themselves, just on the point of 
doing tiieir duty, require great exertions. It is unknown to mo what may be 
called on hereafter. 

Sir, — It would please me to know what men are discharged, and for what 
reasons. Many discharge themselves, to the loss of the State, by taking their 
own discharge, when they get the least advantage with respect to pay, which at 
times it is not possible to avoid. My best compliments wait on your Honor 
and Council, and if it maj' be suffi^red that we may go to sea, do not doubt but 
we shall do well. It is my opinion that it will not be for the best at present to 
appoint any other officers, we can go to the best advantage without. 

Dear Sir,— Suffijr not the vile representations of those who do not wish well 
to our sincere cause, to prejudice your mind against my behavior ; for I am 
vexed, if I know my own heart — I think it an honest one — and while life 
remains, and these times last, it is at my country's service. 

But please your Honor, — Let me say that there is one matter which gives me 
great concern, and I beg your Honor to consider the vast expense the continent 
is at for their frigates ; recollect the great expense of the forces stationed at 
New London ; see what good they have done, and in comparison, take a serious 
view of my command, and I am sure there will be a striking contrast to tho 
advantage of this ship. I want but bread, wood, and rum, to complete me for a 
voyage ; but there is a variety of changes in ray men, they will run away, and I 
have no law to regulate my conduct by, tho only means is my own discretion, 
and that, by eome, is thought imprudent ; but I will do for the best. Again, 
among the variety of requests, your Honor and Council will note that all men 
in service, whoso only means aro their hands, for the support of themselves 
and families, and being, generally speaking, in real necessity for their support ; 
their importunity is so great to me, that my humanity, what little I have, is 
affiscted ; I therefore must desire your Honor and Council, to give me an order 
on the Treasury to receive £1,000, to be received by Lieut. Smith, on account 



APPENDIX. 679 

of the sliip ; there is more due, but that will, I believe, fully answer, and it is 
impossible to do without, as my men must have it ; and I hope that if I do not 
account for it properly, iny estate svill pay it, I do assure your Honor, it is not 
for my own occasions, but for the good of the country. 

Several ships are in the oiEng ; one is in as a flag. I do not imagine any dan. 
gcr to the town at present. I could wish that your Honor would give mo 
some particular directions about the roads to smack craft, that pass in and out 
of this port. I am, with respect, 

your most obedient servant, 

WILLIAM COIT. 

New London, March 17th, 1777. 

N. B. Pray let me know at what per month I must settle with Lieut. Melally. 

March 19, 1777. 
Capt. William Coit, by a letter dated March 19th, 1777, at New London, in- 
formed Gov. Trtimbull, that he should have presented his account for adjust, 
ment, had not the most eminent, urgent occasion prevented ; that great threat- 
ening had been sent to him by the last flag ; that five frigates had been in 
absolute order to blockade New London harbor, on account of the Oliver Crom. 
well, and talked hard, for being so long on that duty, and declare they will cut 
her out, and even more. He also stated, that there was then in the offing, by 
the best intelligence, thirty.six ships, within four leagues of his ship, and had 
sent repeated threats, and that his ship was considered as the greatest defence 
there was on that shore, as few of the militia were there, and that New LonJon 
was never in greater danger! He assured the Governor that all his prudence 
would be used to keep his corps together; that ^40 had been bid for any of his 
smallest men to quit the service of the ship and country. Ho stated, that his 
heart, his life, his every faculty of mind, was devoted to the honest service of 
his country. 

March 26, 1777. 
By a letter, dated on board the Oliver Cromwell, March 26, 1777, at New 
London, from Capt. Coit, to Gov. Trumbull, it appears Capt. Coit had been on 
business to see the Governor, and on his return, he found that on the day of 
the marriage of Capt. Hinman, the officers, to celebrate the wedding, concluded 
to salute the bride and groom from the ship ; when the gun was loaded, a mis- 
chievous boy, by the advice of his comrades, (unknown to the officers,) put a 
ball into the gun ; and the ship lay broadside to New London, and the gun 
pointed to the lower part of the town. Instead of a ball, the lad put in a hand 
granado, by mistake, which when discharged, whistled, by the account, " the 
like was never known," and though no damage was done, it passed near several 
houses and persons. When Capt. Coit returned, he found the two offijnders in 
irons ; and wished the Governor to give his directions in the affiiir ; also wished 
to know whether the continental laws should be his guide. 

April, 1777. 
By a letter dated New London, April 10th, 1777, from Capt. Coit to Gov. 
Trumbull, it appears that he had much confusion with his men of the Crom. 
well, by attempts made upon them by recruiters, by all methods to seduce bis 



580 APPENDIX. 

men away, as their tim^fl^s nearly expired, and llic demand for seamen so 
geat, tiiat all methods were resorted to, to decoy them, with a variety of reports 
propagated as to the ship ; that he had his hands full, to keep the peace, and 
order on board. From the great demand there was for men, he wished for 
liberty to ship men for any service the ship was intended for, and to inform 
them of the wages, &c., to be allowed, alleging that men could not be pro- 
cured for less than the continental conditions, and was anxious to get his men ; 
and stated that ho had many good men, though disappointed, and a fine corps of 
under officers, many of whom did not wish to leave the ship, and with good en- 
couragement, he thought he could soon get as good a crew, as had been seduced 
from the ship, by means he considered truly devilish ; that a better crew never 
belonged to any ship than the Cromwell ; requested an officer appointed in 
Melally's place, until the next week, unless he should receive orders to sail ; in 
such case, he remarked, he then had 70 good seamen waiting for the ship at 
Wood's Hole. He stated as news, that there were eight ships in Gardner's 
Bay, beside the five frigates then off, which were supposed to be' after wood and 
provisions. 

April, 1777. 
A letter from Gov. Trumbull to Capt. Coit, dated Lebanon, April 11th, 1777, 
which directed Capt. Coit to make up his account and observe the time of dis. 
mission, desertion, and death of such as had left the ship in either way. The 
Governor and Council regretted that it had been out of their power to crowd 
the ship on a cruise, though it had been embarrassed by many insurmountable 
causes; and that therefore they had appointed Seth Harding to be captain in 
the place of Capt. Coit, with a proper corps of officers, for a term to come, and 
dismissed Capt. Coit and his officers and men after the 14th day of April, 1777, 
and directed Capt. Coit not to fail to make up his account for a full settlement, 
for all time passed, to the lime of dismission, by the 1st of May, 1777. 



April, 1777. 
In a letter from Gen. Washington to Gov. Trumbull, dated Morristown, April 
7th, 1777, he stated, that the pay abstract of the 10th regiment of Connecticut 
militia, from October to Jan. 1776 — 7, had been presented for payment to him. 
The unreasonable disproportion of officers induced him to decline giving orders 
for the payment; and requested Gov. Trumbull to adopt some mode by which 
the public treasury might be eased of such extraordinary demands; and stated 
that such impositions would in future be provided for by Congress, but doubted 
how he could remedy such cases as had happened ; but remarked that nothing 
should pass his hands that could bo construed into the slightest approbation of 
such impositions ; and stated that if Col. Sheldon should want a further supply 
of money to finish equipping his regiment, he desired the Governor to advance it. 



SCHOONER ANNA. 

April, 1777. 

A letter from Mr. Elliot to Gov. Trumbull, dated Boston, April 14th, 1777, 

informed him of the arrival of the schooner Anna, on Saturday preceding, cap. 

*tured by Capt. Smedley, on the IGth of March, in latitude 16, longitude 48, 

bound from Bristol, in England, to Dominico. (Mr. Lewis, the prize master, 

was the bearer of the letter and invoice of the cargo to the Governor.) The 



APPENDIX. 581 

cargo consisted of articles of an advanced price in Boston, parlicularlv tlour 
and painters' colors, and the other articles much needed. Also gave the infor- 
mation that he should libel said schooner in behalf of those concerned, the 
State as owner, the captain, officers, &.C.. on board. Capt. Smedley four days 
before taking this prize, fell in willi and captured a large barque, from Liverpool, 
in England, bound to Pensacola, the particulars of which, and his engagement 
with two large ships, Mr. Lewis was requested to give to the Governor in per. 
son. As tho Anna made no opposition, according to custom, the men were 
entitled to their wages. The barque had arrived at Dartmouth, and he inform, 
ed the Governor, that as soon as he had linished libelling the Anna, he would 
take proper measures as to the barque, and have her cargo taken out and 
secured in some of llie back towns, as the people of Boston considered Dart, 
mouth as more exposed than any place in the State. 

April, 1777. 
Gov. Trumbull's answer, dated Lebanon, April 17, 1777, in which he ap- 
proved of the procedure of Mr. Elliot as to the prizes; and sent him a schedule 
of such articles as he wished reserved tor particular use, and directed liim to 
dispose of the remainder of the cargo to the best advantage ; to pay wages to 
such prisoners as had conducted well; directed him to proceed to Dartmoutii 
and secure the cargo of the barque. Also stated that Capt. Harding had no 
concern in the brig Defence, the (then) present cruise ; that she was under the 
command of Capt. Smedley, and that Capt. Harding was appointed to the com. 
mand of the ship Oliver Cromwell, in the harbor of New London, preparing 

for sea. 

• 

April, 1777. 
A letter from Samuel Elliot, Jr., to Gov. Trumbull, dated April 25, 1777, 
informed of the arrival of the Snow Swift in Boston harbor, which was the last 
capture of four, made by the Defence, (Capt. Smedley) ; another prize had been 
taken by Capt. Smedley, and sent into Plymouth, which Mr. Elliot intended 
should have been sent, into Boston, as there was no danger at the time from the 
British, but she had run on shore so high up, that she could not be got off, only 
by unloading, and in this way, they got her off the bar, and the sloop proceeded 
to Boston. The invoices of the Snow Swill and the brig, were forwarded, with 
a part of the cargo, of the Grog. The cargo of the Snow Swift was much the 
same as that of the brigs. Capt. Smedley wrote from Dartmouth, he had re. 
quested leave to come into Boston and refit the Defence; and Mr. Elliot, at the 
dale above, sent him an express, to inform him of two frigates then being in 
Boston Bay. 

April, 1777. 
By a letter, dated Lebanon, April 29, 1777, from Gov. Trumbull to Mr. Elliot, 
at Boston, he acknowledged his letter of tiie 25lh, which informed him o{ the 
arrival of Capt. Srnedley's last prizes. He also informed him, that ho liad no 
desire to supersede his agency ; and wished him to give Capt. Smedley all the 
assistance in his power, as the Defence would have to be refitted and sent to 
sea with all expedition. He remarked that the enemy had made a direct attack 
on Connecticut ; and that it was reported, that the enemy intended ravaging our 
74 



582 APPENDIX. 

coast, and in some mcaa^if make tliis State the theatre of war. Ho therefore 
lliought it a prudent slop, to reserve all provisions of every kind, taken in the 
four prizes, for the use of this State ; as it was highly probable it might bo 
wanted, not only for our militia on sudden marches, but to minister to the relief 
of our inhabitants, who should bo forced from home ; and therefore directed 
Mr. Elliot to secure the whole of the provisions brought in all the prizes, until 
further orders, excepting so much as should bo needed to fit the brig for a new 
cruise, and an order to deliver Mr. Nathaniel Shaw, Jr., provisions for his pri. 
vatoer, at Dartmouth ; and directed him to consider this letter as countermand- 
ing all former orders respecting provisions in said prizes, except such as are 
above mentioned. The Governor also directed Mr. Elliot to take care of tho 
provisions, and place them in such a situation as they should be secure against 
any sudden invasion of the enemy, at his discretion. The Governor returned 
tho invoices to Mr. Elliot. 

April, 1777. 
A letter from Capt. Samuel Smedley to Gov. Trumbull, dated April 19, 1777, 
at Bedford, in Dartmouth, informed the Governor of the arrival of the brig 
Dufcncc at said Bedford, on the 18th day of said April, though the brig was in 
a very bad state when he sailed, with regard to men, yet he had taken four 
prizes and manned them, viz. : a barque from Liverpool and Waterford, bound 
to Jamaica, laden with provisions, iron work, nails, &c. ; a brig from Bristol, 
England, bound to Jamaica, laden with flour, bread, paints and oil, bottle beer, 
cider, &c., which had arrived, the latter at Boston — the barque mounted ten 
iron guns ; a^nother brig from Glasgow, bound to Antigua, laden with beef, 
butter, «fec. ; the Snow Swift from Dublin, with beef, butter, &c. ; and required 
of the Governor directions how to dispose of the brig, as he had been informed 
that the harbor at New London was as well lined with the ships of the enemy, 
us it was when he sailed out, and found so much difficulty in sailing by them, 
in consequence of which, Mr. Shaw had hauled up his privateer into the port at 
Bedford. Capt. Smedley advised the Governor to lengthen, and put a quarter 
deck on the brig, and put her in a condition to fight, which she then was not, 
and was considered by Capt. Smedley, the most uncomfortable vessel he ever 
sailed ; he stated she might be repaired at Boston, in safety, very soon ; he 
stated the time of enlistment of the men was out the March previous, which 
had made some difficulty, and many ran away before he sailed, and he expected 
the remainder would do the same, as their time would expire within 12 days ; 
the men expected to go into the Vineyard, and had planned to go home ; so that 
Capt. Smedley saw he could not make a cruise, unless he put to sea with what 
men he had, which he did, and far exceeded his expectations. 

April 20, 1777. 
By a letter from Capt. Smedley to Governor Trumbull, dated ship Defence, 
at sea, April 20, 1777 : It appears, that on Capt. Smedley's weighing anchor in 
Boston, he discovered a man on board his ship who was infected with the small 
pox, and to prevent its spreading, ho sent him on shore in the pilot boat ; but to 
his sorrow and surprise, on the 13th day's sail from Boston, six of his men 
broke out with the disorder, and the chief carpenter, and a petty officer, who be- 
longed at Cape Cod, ili(ul. After he held a council with his olllcers, and found 



APPENDIX. 583 

about 50 of his men were exposed, he ordered lliem inoculated, whicli was 
done. Though they were taken down at a time when they were the most 
needed, for on the 13th of March, at night, he brought too a ship from France, 
bound to the Cape, who gave an account to Capt. Smedley of their parting that 
day with two large ships bound from Bristol to Jamaica, which mounted 20 and 
18 guns. He immediately pursued them, and the next morning discovered them, 
and went along side of them and had a warm contest, which lasted three glasses, 
when they struck their colors. Capt. Parker engaged the ijiost warlike ship, 
and to his honor be it spoken, behaved in such a manner as would have done 
credit to the greatest admiral in Europe. He also informed the Governor, that 
since their acquaintance, and in the distressed situation of Capt. Smedley, they 
had rendered him much assistance. The warm reception gave Capt. Smedley, 
he escaped with less damage than he expected, though the hull and rigging of 
the Defence were much damaged, but two men were wounded, who were doing 
well ; and he hoped both prizes would arrive safe. He stated that his ship had 
had been leaky the whole voyage, and that he should be obliged to go into some 
some port soon, to repair. The ships taken were the Admiral Keppel, of eigh- 
teen 6 pound guns, witli 47 men ; and the Cyrus, of sixteen guns, both lettcrs- 
of-marque. 

April 20, 1777. " 
A letter from Capt. Parker to Governor Trumbull, (dated Oliver Cromwell, 
April 20, 1777, latitude 20, longitude 50,) stated, that Lieut. Pease, of the ship 
Defence, was sent in the ship Cyrus, as prize master, and would give the account 
of the taking of the Keppel and Cyrus, and of the contents of their cargoes. 
He stated he had wrote more fullly by Lieut. Tillinghast, commander of the Kep- 
pel, of the loss sustained in men. Capt. Parker also stated his ship had receiv- 
ed some damage in her hull and rigging, and had received four shots between 
wind and water through the side, several shrouds shot in twain, together with 
braces, bowling, and other smaller ropes and sails a little tattered. The Gover- 
nor gave an order to Capt. Smedley to take the command of the brig Defence, 
and proceed on a cruise of three months, as Capt. Harding's ill-health prevented 
his going to sea. Capt Smedley informed tlie Governor that the brig Defence 
was ready for sea ; that she only wanted more men, as she then had but 40 who 
belonged to the brig, and few of them seamen, and as the prospect of getting 
men in New London was poor, and as he could obtain a complement of them at 
the Vineyard soon, he should sail without any detention on that account. Capt. 
Smedley requested the Governor to appoint another commissioned ■ officer on 
board, as there were but two, and had formerly been four, and recommended 
Capt. Angel, of New London, as he was a sober, steady, worthy man, and had 
been master of vessels out of New London twelve years, and a first-rate seaman ; 
and in case a prize should be taken, Capt. Angel being acquainted with all the 
coasts, would be able to take such prize into port. Capt. Smedley wished the 
Governor to inform him whether Capt. Harding, on shore, was to draw a share 
of prizes taken by him, &c., as appears by a letter from Capt. Smedley to the 
Governor, dated New London, February, 1777. 

April 23, 1777. 
Gen. Washington, by letter, dated April 23d, 1777, in answer to a letter from 
Gen. Parsons, stated, that the prisoners from New York, and the case of the 



584 APPENDIX. 

representatives of those ^^ died during their captivity, deserved attention, 
though it would. be difficult to adopt a line of conduct in that instance, by which 
equal justice could be done them and the public ; and sincerely desired they 
could be paid, and thought the better method was for the State to take up the 
matter, and appoint one or two members of the Legislature to receive and pay 
their claims ; and in all cases where tlie original claimant was alive, to admit 
none but such as had an affidavit annexed, with the time when and where cap- 
tured, and when released; to what company and regiment they belonged, and 
that they had received no pay or satisfaction from the United States, while in 
raptivity. And in like manner, if claims made by representatives of soldiers 
who died in captivity, that they should make oath when and where their said 
soldiers were taken ; the company and regiment to which they belonged ; the 
time of their death, and had received no pay that became due between their 
capture and death ; and no claims for rations to be admitted. The General As- 
sembly appointed Gen. Wadsworth, Mr. Wales, Maj. Phelps, Maj. Hillhouse, 
and Col. Lee, to take said facts into consideration ; and also Col. Hart's memo- 
rial, and the case of the prisoners returned from New York, and those in cap- 
tivity, with their losses, sufferings, and what should be done for them, and report 
make to said Assembly. 



April, 1777. 
A letter was received, dated Long Island, April 30, 1777, signed by Ethan 
Allen, Esq., and directed to the General Assembly or Committee of War, of this 
State ; in which he stated, that he did not distrust the wisdom of the country, 
that an exchange of prisoners had not taken place, and that those who had the 
management of the affair, undoubtedly had their political reasons for the delay ; 
that the mode of existence as a prisoner, though it was irksome, was not deplor- 
able, by reason of hope ; and the officers on parole, seemed to him, as mere 
ciphers, exempted from danger and honor ; and though man was never easy, 
that it was painful to a generous and enterprising mind, to be debarred in sharing 
the glories that would be revealed during the campaign. He stated, that Gen. 
Washington had written to Gen. Howe upon the subject of his exchange, and 
had styled him colonel, instead of lieutenant colonel ; he also acknowledged the 
receipt of j£35, which he received by his brother Levi Allen ; in which letter he 
urges his exchange as a prisoner of war. 



LETTER TO THE AUTHOR. 

Tiie following letter is from Joseph Hill, Esq., to the author of tiiis work. 

In answer to your enqiriries, according to the best information I have been able 
to obtain, the enemy, during the revolutionary war, did not land in Saybrookto 
do much damage ; they drove several small vessels ashore, and some were set on 
fire. They landed on Duck Island, which is opposite Westbrook, and burnt the 
buildings ; I believe it was in 1781. A guard, consisting of about 20, commanded 
by a lieutenant, was kept in Saybrook fort ; at night one of the whale boats was 
sent out of the mouth of the river to reconnoitre, and did not return until they 
could see day light, that the coast was clear. The first company, which was 
enlisted in the spring of 1775, and soon after marched to near Boston, was 
commanded by John Ely, captain ; Abraham Waterhouse, 1st lieutenant; Elisha 
Lee, of Lyme, 2d lieutenant ; Dan Platts, ensign ; some of said company belonged 



APPENDIX. 585 

lo Lyme. The uniform of said company was, Jiats bound witli yellow, manv of 
them used white tow cloth, colored with peach-tree bark. In the fore part of the 
summer, another company was raised in Saybrook, and marched for the camp 
near Boston. I believe said company was commanded by Capt. Martin Kirtland, 
During the whole of the war, (a large number from said town were in the ser- 
vice ;) the uniform of the company was a red knott on one shoulder. 

The following persons were taken in the armed ship Blaze Castle, and carried 
to Halifax : Aaron Plaits, William Carter, Abisha Chapman, Abner Stannard, Jr., 
Josiah Wolcott, Jeremiah Lay, Daniel Jones, and John Stannard, Jr., — all died 
but D. Jones and J, Stanard, Jr., and all were from Saybrook. 

Those lulled at Groton fort, belonging to Saybrook, were — John Whittle- 
sey, Stephen Whittlesey, William Comstock, Daniel Williams, Jonathan Butler, 
and several wounded. 

It is well known that the American Turtle was invented and built in Saybrook 
by David Bushnell, Esq. He died, at an advanced age, in the State of Georgia, 
a few years since, after acquiring a handsome property, which was brought on by 
his friend and delivered to the children of his deceased brother Ezra, together 
with some curious machinery, partly built, which had been viewed by several 
gentlemen, none of whom, I believe, have been able to determine what it would 
have been, if it had been completed. 

I find almost all the aged people are gone, and those living cannot recollect 
dates, Scc. I am, dear Sir, 

yours respectfully, 

JOSEPH HILL. 

Essex, June 29, 184L 



Mr. Eliphalet Dyer, chairman of a committee of the General Assembly, report- 
ed, that the sending deserters to us, in flags of truce, as stated in Gen. Silliman's 
letter, ought to be considered as an insult to this State, if they had received Gen. 
Silliman's warning, sent by their flag. Said committee also reported against 
sufl[ering the families of deserted tories, within this State, to go to said deserters, 
within the enemy's lines, except where our inhabitants had been taken, not under 
arms, by the enemy, and carried off, and even in that case, to take no property, 
except necessary clothing ; and no person able to bear arms, should be per- 
mitted to go. 



SMALL POX IN STRATFIELD. 

May 19, 1777. 
Timothy Wheeler and 12 other persons of Stratfield society, informed the 
Legislature, that notwithstanding all the measures of Gen. Silliman and the 
petitioners, to prevent the spread of the small pox, that it had already aflfected 
every part of the parish ; that many hid inoculated, and remained in their own 
houses, situated on the public highways, which exposed the whole community ; 
that numbers of persons daily went into the hospital, opposite the guard at 
Newfield harbor, only about 80 rods distant from the guard ; that two of the 
guard had taken the disease, and the guard would not remain, thus exposed, as 
it was then considered almost dangerous for the inhabitants to go out of their 
liouses ; that they had repeatedly applied to the authority and selectmen of 
Stratford, to act on the subject ; but that they had used no effectual measures to 



586 APPENDIX. 

prevent the spreading ofl^l distemper, but had permitted persons from other 
towns to inoculate and liavc the disease in said Stratford ; so tiiat tlie jieoplo in 
Stratfield were exposed, not only to tiie small pox, but to the depredations of 
the enemy; and prayed for relief in some way. 

Robert Ross and 21 otiier persons, again in said May, from Stratfield, applied 
to the Assembly, to direct that all such as had inoculated for the small pox, in 
the town of Stratford, in violation of law, should be prosecuted, and the law 
itself re vised, or to repeal the act, and form a new one, allowing a pest house in 
each county or town, with a house to clean up in, and remain in a few days 
after cleansing to prevent exposing the people and their families ; and order tho 
selectmen to place a sufficient guard of sober, faithful men, to carry every 
regulation strictly into cifect, in every place where inoculation should bo per- 
mitted, &c. They stated, that great quarrels had arisen on this subject, and 
affairs grew worse and worse, and the infection daily increased, and nothing had 
been done for months, to prevent it ; and the people were enraged and declared 
they would burn tho houses infected, and shoot all the infected persons they 
should meet, to prevent which an efTentual and immediate remedy was required; 
and prayed the Assembly to publish the act in every part of the State, that it 
should be perfectly known and understood by all the people. 

May, 1776. 
Wolcott Hawley, a constable of Stratford, informed the General Assembly, 
(for their direction,) that the frequent breaches of the statute, governing tho 
people in inoculating for the small pox, had become alarming ; that it had been 
spread in Stratford, in defiance of law, and men in. authority, especially by tho 
tories ; the grand jurors and constables had met frequently, though with djffi- 
culty ; two of the justices of the peace of said town had been inoculated, who 
could not be tried for tho ofTonce, as the justices in tho adjoining towns refused 
to act in the'matter out of their'own towns, and those justices who had not had 
the small pox, feared to try them, though one of them had agreed to prosecute ; 
the sheriff of the county had been inoculated, and two constables of Stratford, 
had been inoculators, and the other constables of the town feared to serve tho 
writs on such offenders. He stated that soon afler the enaction of the law, ho 
complained of a certain doctor, for inoculating, and the court put hira under a 
bond of ^£500, to oftbnd no more; though he was not formally tried, and that he 
still transgressed the law ; and that the timid and disaffected in tho town, as 
appeared, intended to give it an universal spread; and those appointed to exo. 
cute the law, prove to be its violators, as two of the judges of the county of 
Fairfield had been inoculated, beside tho chief judge; and under these circum- 
stances, he being under oath to enquire and present all breaches of the law, 
therefore prayed the Assembly for advice and direction on the subject. 



LETTER FROM QEN. SILLIMAN TO GOV. TRUMBULL. 

May 20, 1777. 
Gen. Silliman wrote a letter to Gov. Trumbull, dated Fairfield, May 20, 1777, 
and informed him that a flag of truce had arrived at Norwalk, from Long 
Island, for the purpose of conveying to said island several tcry families, the 
heads of which had deserted and joined the enemy ; that the tories had grown 
bold; that the week before this date, a flag was at Stamford, on board of which 
was a deserter to ihe British ; that Gen. Silliman in giving a permit to said 
flag to sail, inserted a warning against sending again in a flag any deserters, on 



APPENDIX. 587 

penalty of their being detained and tried for their lives as deserters ; that tho 
British had again sent a flag with two American deserters on board, and wished 
for directions whether to detain them and have them tried; that Squire Ilawley 
informed Gen. Sillinian, that he had seen the Governor at Hartford, and asked 
of him permission to carry in his flag some women and children of some of tho 
Connecticut lories that were with tlic enemy, which the Governor declined, as 
the matter was before ihe Assembly. lie stated, that only 18 privates had arrived 
in Fairfield, of all that had been detached from two regiments, and ordered to 
Fairfield, on the 6th of May. The general expressed his fear, that many 
would not come, as he had been informed that great numbers had paid their 
fines, which fine was so trifling, it did not answer the design of the General 
Assembly ; and some had refused either to pay their fines or march. Tho 
general also remarked, that if the want of soldiers did not oblige him to abandon 
the coast of the enemy, ho much feared the small pox, which was then raging 
there 'would, as it was on every side of his troops, and he knew not what to do ; 
and stated that 41 persons were inoculated, and that in Stratford and Stratfield, 
great numbers were daily inoculating for the small pox, and going into houses 
near the sea shore— a measure, that the enemy themselves could not have better 
planned to strip the sea coast of its guards; and desired that something efiectual 
should be done, or that the coast would be forsaken by all persons who were not 
sick with, or inoculated for tho small pox ; and prayed that the Assembly should 
be put on some measures to prevent the evil. 



May 2, 1777. 
By a letter, sent by Col. Hart, dated New York, May 2, 1777, directed to 
Squire Sanford, and signed by James Rogers, it appears that the following per- 
sons, who wore taken prisoners in the expedition at Danbury, and carried to 
New York, were Daniel Chapman, Jabez Frost, Daniel Sanford, Timothy Par- 
sons, David Faircliild, Daniel Meeker, Russel Bartlet, James Rogers, Oliver 
Sanford, Nathaniel Squire, Ezekiel Faircliild, Stephen Belts, Jonas Piatt, and 
Thomas Couch, of Redding ; John Bartram, Matthew Benedict, Benjamin 
Sperry, John Porter, Jonathan Starr, William Roberts, Jacob Gray, Aaron 
Gray Knap, of Danbury ; Benjamin Meeker, John Olmsted, John Dimon, 
Benjamin Banks, David Burr, Peter Blackman, Ephraira Burr, Nathan Beers, 
Caleb Disbrow, Levi Disbrow, and Peter Williams, of the town of Fairfield ; 
Israel Chapman, of Salem ; James Crawford and Newton Crawford, of Pound 
Ridge; Simeon Minor, of Woodbury; Benjamin Keeler, of Wilton ; John 
Wright, of Norwich ; Job Slocum, of Oblong; James and Benjamin Northrop 
and John Smith, of Ridgefield ; in whose behalf Mr. Rogers wrote the letter, 
in which they requested their friends in Connecticut, to send to them by Col. 
Hart, all tho hard money they could collect, who had agreed to advertise when 
ho should return to New York, and where the money should be left for said 
prisoners ; each man's money to be put up by itself with his name on it. 



May, 1777. 

Ruth Peck, the widow of Jesse Peck, (then) late of Danbury, stated to tho 

General Assembly, that her husband, with three sons, in the spring of 1776, 

enlisted in the service of the State, and all went through tho fatigue of the 

campaign ; two of the eons were taken prisoners at fort Washington, and suf- 

ored the hardships of captivity in New York ; one son had the small pox in 



588 APPENDIX. 

the worst manner possibl^A the most scarce time of gold the (then) last winter 
at New York, who started for home, and froze his feet, so that lie became a 
cripple ; another son was sent home by the British about the 1st of January, 
1777, infected with the small pox, of which ho soon died, after his arrival ; the 
husband who had arrived home a short time previous to his son, took the dis- 
ease, and also died after a long confinement ; one other son also took said 
disease, who by the goodness of God, recovered ; whereby said Ruth was griev. 
ousiy afflicted, and the town of Danbury expended the sum of £26: 12 : 6 in 
their sickness, and held a claim upon the small estate her husband had left for 
the payment of it, and if paid by her, would leave her with a family of small 
children, and needy indeed ; and prayed the Assembly to pay the sum aforesaid. 



The following marines who belonged to (he. ship Oliver Cromwell, were 
returned as deserters, viz. : Gurdon Burnham, William Allen, William Powell, 
John Biownly, John Wilson, John Hale, Thomas Doherty, Job Bunker, John 
Smith, John Woolf, Johebert Sheffield, Robert Alsop James, Thomas Blin 
Harris, Thomas Etherly, Stephen Blossom, Stephen Brooks, Joseph King, 
Josiah Sare, Silas Daggett, John Ceilings, John Linston, Samuel Fosdick, 
Thomas Van Dusen, Joseph Bulies, John Williams, Solomon Capce, Joseuli 
Pennett, David Freeman, John Williams, Thomas Nichol.f, Samuel Bunker, 
Joseph Hewett, Samuel Geer, John Short, Samuel Paston, John Latliergo, 
John Adams, Hezekiah Baker, Jotham Gardner, Elijah Loveland, William 
Palmer, Stephen Ward, Jonathan Miner, Timothy Murphey, Henry Hunt, 
Daniel Carr, John Hill, John Deming, and Joseph Merrills; William Garrick, 
murdered ; returned by Capt. William Coit, captain of said ship. 



BRIGANTINE HONOR. 
The following was addressed to Mr. Elliot, the Connecticut agent at Boston, 
from the captain of the Oliver Cromwell. 

Ship Oliver Cromwell, July 8, 1777. i 
Latitude 45 : 12, Longitude 34. ^ 
Sir, — I have the pleasure to inform you that we this day made prize of the 
brigantine Honor, from Cork, bound to Newfoundland, which I hope will 
arrive in some safe port. The master of the brig informs me, that he sailed in 
company with about 20 sail, bound for America, which he parted with about 
four days ago ; so that I hope to give you an account of others of them in a 
short time. I am. Sir, &c. 



A VOTE TO EXPEL TORIES FROM NEW HAVEN, &c. 
Richard Woodhull, Oliver Burr, Daniel Humphreys, Theophilus Chamberlain, 
and Thomas Gould, in answer to a vote passed in New Haven, viz. : " That every 
person who looked upon himself bound, either from Conscience or choice, to give 
intelligence to our enemies of our situation, or otherwise take an active part, or 
yield obedience to any commands of King George III., so far as to take up arms 
against this town or the United Colonies, every such person be desired peaceably 
to depart this town." They stated they did not feel bound from conscience or 
choice to give intelligence to His Majesty's officers or troops, or to take an active 
part, or take up arms against New Haven or the United Colonies ; but that they 
felt bound in conscience to submit themselves to every ordinance of man for the 



APPENDIX. 589 

Lord's sake, whether to the King as supreme or to governors, as unto them wlio 
arc sent of Him for the punishment of evil-doers, and the praise of tiiose who 
do well ; and in conscience to seek the peace of the town, and pray unto the 
Lord for it, and live peaceably with all men. 

Messrs. Daniel Lyman, Timothy Jones, Jr., John Lathrop, Henry Daggett,^ 
Lambcrton Smith, Jr., and others,"^ were appointed a committee by the town of' 
New Haven, on tlie 6th day of Novembcr,-1775, to call together suspected per- 
sons, by virtue of said vote, before them, to be examined, to whom said Wood- 
liull, &c. addressed a line, in which they acknowledged, that their answer afore- 
said, should have been plain and simple, and they sJiould have made answer, that 
" we hold ourselves bound in conscience to yield obedience to the commands of 
His Majesty King George HI. so far as to take up arms against New Haven or 
the United Colonies ;" and avoiding to give a plain answer to so plain a question, 
at a time when the town and country were disavowing their allegiance to the 
King, and were going into open rebellion against God and the King, was evi- 
dence to them, that they were influenced in the first answer by fear of man, and 
not of God, and was influenced b}' that strong bias, lliat is in man at all times, 
to shun the cross of Christ, and pass smooth and easy through the world ; and 
stated that it became them to fear and tremble before God, who could not be 
deceived or mocked, for their great wickedness and guilt therein, and to say with 
the publican, " God be merciful to us sinners." 



BILLS ISSUED BY CONNECTICUT, IN AUGUST, 1777. 
In August, 1777, the Slate of Connecticut had cmitled in bills, ^^309,000 ; 
had taken up and burnt, i;il,000 ; had then outstanding, £298,000 ; small bills 
deducted, £29,322 : 10 ; v/hicli left £208,677 : 10 in bills oulslanding, not less 
than $1 ; to redeem which, a tax of two-thirds was proposed, amounting to 
£273,000, amouniing to £7,000 to each penny tax ;' £60,000 issued in notes of 
£10 each, payable at 4 per cent, in three years ; £72,000 borrowed and payable 
at 6 |)cr cent, in one year. 

A LETTER FROM STEPHEN HOPKINS TO HON. JOHN HANCOCK. 

Springfield, August 6, 1777. 
The committees from the several States of New Hanipshire, Massachusetts 
Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York, in pursuance of the proposal 
of the State of Massachusetts Bay, have met and conferred upon several subjects 
therein recommended, and have passed a number of resolutions, a copy of 
which, I am directed to lay before the Honorable Congress for their considera- 
tion. The first four of those States, the last winter, passed acts to prevent 
monopoly and oppression, in order to support the credit of their paper currency ; 
but the other United States, not judging it expedient to enact similar laws, 
hath in a great measure, prevented tlieir answering the good purposes for which 
they were intended, and has rendered it very difficult, if not impracticable fully 
to execute the same. Other measures, therefore, have now been agreed upon 
for the same purposes, the success of which, we apprehend, will greatly depend 
upon the concurrence of the United States ; in the same we are so fully irnpres. 
bed with the importance of drawing in and sinking tile bills of credit emitted by 
the several States ; and of the necessity of large and frequent taxations, to supply 
the continental treasury, and to defray the charges of Government, that we 
7;") 



590 APPENDIX. * 

liave earnestly recoinmci^ai it to llie several States we rcsjieclively represent; 
and wo apprehend it wTTl bo absolutely necessary for similar measures to be 
adopted by the other United States, in order to support tlie credit of the paper 
currency, and to prevent any further emissions for the purposes of defraying 
the charges of the war, and the support of internal government. We submit 
the whole to the Honorable Congress, that such measures may be taken for that 
end as they in their great wisdom shall think proper. 
I am in behalf of the committee, Sir, 

your most obedient, and very humble servant, 

STEPHEN HOPKINS. 



MEMBERS or THE ASSEMBLY WHO TOOK THE OATH OF 
FIDELITY, IN AUGUST, 1777. 

Tills may certify that the following gentlemen, members of the Lower House 
of Assembly of the State of Connecticut, were present attending in August 22, 
1777, and had the oath of fidelity to this Slate, as provided by law, administered 
tolhcm, viz. : Col. John Pitkin, Mr. Benjamin Payne, Col. Elisha Williams, 
Col. Isaac Lee, Mr. John Trcadwell, Capt. Joseph Brooks, Mr. Ezra Brainard, 
Capt. Timothy Pearl, Col. Jabcz Chapman, Mr. Samuel Huntington, Maj. Abiel 
Pease, Capt. Benjamin Talcott, Mr. Seth King, Maj. Elias Worthington, Mr. 
Peter Reynold, Capt. Jonathan Wells, Mr. Ebenezer Plumraer, Mr. Titus Hos- 
mer. Col. Comfort Sage, Mr. Ebenezer White, Capt. Henry Allen, Capt. James 
Hooker, Mr. Neziah Bliss, Mr. John Phelps, Col. Samuel Chapman, Col. Solo- 
mon Wills, Mr. Samuel Bishop, Jr., Mr. Picrpont Edwards, Mr. Joseph Hop. 
kins, Capt. Ezra Bronson, Mr. Eliphalet Hotchkiss, James Beard, Samuel 
Beach, Col. Street Hall, Gideon Buckingham, Lewis Mallet, Jr., Nathaniel 
Stone, Nathaniel Rugglcs, Gen. James Wadsworth, Elnathan Camp, Maj, 
William Hillhouse, Benjdinin Huntington, Rufus Lathiop, Maj. Charles Phelps, 
Nathaniel Miner, Capt. John Shipman, Col. William Worthington, Hezekiah 
Lane, Thomas Mumford, Col. Benadam Gallup, Col. Samuel Mott, Maj. Samuel 
Tyler, Maj. Elijah Abel, Capt. Abraham Brinsmade, Capt. Daniel Judson, John 
McKay, John Hoit, Jr., Daniel Belts, Jr., Moses Comstock, Maj. Eli Mygatt, 
Capt. Jabez Huntington, Nathaniel Wales, Jr., Joshua West, Capt. Nehemiah 
Lyon, David Payne, Constant Soulhworlh, Edmund Freeman, Capt. Samuel 
Craft, Maj. Thomas Brown, Capt. Simon Learnard, John Canfield, Daniel 
Sherman, Capt. Simoon Smith, Samuel Comstock, Oliver Warner, Capt. Aaron 
Austin, Col. Seth Smith, Ephraim Hubbell, Jr., Capt. Justus Sackett, Col. 
Epaphras Sheldon, Nehemiah Andrews, John Pierce, Capt. Josiah Phelps, 
Col. Joshua Porter, and Capt. Abiel Camp. 

Certified. Benjamin Huntington, Clerk. 

The gentlemen members of this Assembly, whose names follow, took the oath 
of fidelity prescribed by the law of this Stale, viz. : the Governor, Deputy Gov- 
ernor, Jabez Hamlin, Elisha Sheldon, Jabez Huntington, William Pitkin, Roger 
Sherman, Abraham Davenport, Oliver Wolcott, Samuel Huntington, Secretary, 
and Sherifl' Williams. 



September, 1777. 
The cargo of the brig Honor, was made sale of in September, 1777, together 
with the brig, and amounted as per account of sales, to £10,204 : 18 : 3^. 



APPENDIX. 691 

POLITICAL CREED, Szc. OF THE SANDEMANIANS. 

September 14, 1777. 
To Messrs. Samuel Bishop, David Austin, and Timothy Jones, Jr. : 

Gentlemen, — Your desire having been signified to us by Mr. Chamberlain, that 
we would make a declaration of what we profess touching that subjection which 
we are bound by the word of God to yield to the higher powers, do say ; we 
are bound to hearken to that word : " Be not afraid of them who kill the body, 
and after that have no more that they can do, but I will forewarn you whom you 
shall fear ; fear Him, whom after he hath killed, hath power to cast into hell ; 
yea, I say unto you, fear Him :" His word and authority obliges us to be subject 
to the higher powers : the powers that be, which are ordained of God ; to be 
subject to the King as supreme, and to governors as those who are sent by him 
for the punishment of evil-doers, and the praise of them who do well ; to fear 
the Lord and the King, and not meddle with them who are given to change ; 
these and such like words, by which we must be judged at the last day, bind 
our consciences to be faithful and loyal subjects to our sovereign King George 
the Third, whom God preserve, to whose government we are heartily attached, 
to give no countenance, aid, or assistance to any design formed against this gov. 
ernment, but to conduct as loyal subjects ; to obey his laws, his commands, and 
those of subordinate rulers in all things, wherein they do not interfere with the 
commands of our iVIaker, in which case we ought to obey God rather than man. 
That, as according to the Scriptures, the kingdoms of this world are to be defen- 
ded by the sword ; a command from the sovereign to his faithful subjects, to assist 
in the defence of his government at the peril of their lives, when they are in a 
situation that admits of it, is a lawful command ; and even in the situation in 
which we now are, we are bound to a dutiful, loyal, obedient conduct, such as 
our situation will admit of; and although we earnestly wish to live in peace, and 
have no inclination to bear arms or become soldiers in a lawful war ; yet the 
exhortation of John the Baptist, and the case of Cornelius, oblige us to conclude 
that the soldier's calling is a lawful one for Christians, as well as other men. 

This faith respecting the commands of the Lord touching subjecting, we have 
heretofore possessed, when it appeared to us that we were, in the course of Provi- 
dence, called to speak of it, and for this we have suffered ; neither can we con- 
ceal or dissemble or soften the commands before mentioned, without being asha- 
med of Christ and his words before men, and incurring that much to be dreaded 
consequence the Son of Mans being ashamed of us before his Father and before 
his angels. We hold ourselves equally obliged, if it be possible, as much as in 
«s lieth, to live peaceably with all men ; to do good to all men as we have oppor- 
tunity ; to be inoffensive among our neighbors ; to love and pray for our ene- 
mies ; never to avenge ourselves, nor to bear ill will to any man ; to be no busy 
bodies in other men's matters, but with quietness to work and eat our own bread. 
How far our conduct has corresponded to this we must appeal to our neighbors. 
Suffering for these sentiments, it must appear to our consciences that we suffer 
for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ; this we ought to esteem 
a great honor, of which we were never worthy. Our consciences do not condemn 
us as suffering for evil doing, or as having done any thing against men that will 
acquit them in the righteous judgment of God, for bringing such sufferings 
upon us. 

If we are to be deprived of that liberty which we have in no wise forfeited, 



592 



APPENDIX. 



happy shall wo be if it be^lPen to us from above to suffer with patience. We 
are able to get a subsistence in this place in our lawful callings without being a 
burden to our neighbors ; if we are removed or confined, this is taken from us ; 
we would bo glad therefore to be permitted to continue here if we may live in 
quiet and unmolested. We wish not to be sent into the country, or to be sepa- 
rated to prevent our assembling on the first day of the week, to continue stead- 
fastly in the Apostle's doctrine and fellowship, and the breaking. of bread, and the 
prayers. But if we are not to be permitted the free exercise of the Christian 
profession in tiiis place, as Christians may lawfully wish to enjoy the protection 
and blessings of government, that merciful ordinance of God ; and as the Lord 
has, in his tender mercy, permitted his disciples to Hee from persecutions, saying, 
"■ If they persecute you in one city, flee ye to another ;" our wish is, that we 
may bo suffered peaceably to retire, with our families, to some convenient place 
more immediately under the King's protection, that we may seek some place 
where we may sojourn in peace, and worship God according to his word ; and 
that this may be allowed in such a way that we may not be molested by the people 
in departing. And we wish that our dear brother, Oliver Burr, suffering in prison 
for hearkening to that command of the Lord, which requires us to do good to all 
men as we have opportunity, may be suffered to go with us, with his family. 

We are, Gentlemen, your well wishers. 

New Haven, September 14, 1777. 

• (Signed) 

Joseph Pynchon, Theophilus Chamberlain, Benjamin Smith, William Rich- 
mond, Daniel Humphreys, Titus Smith, Richard Woodhull, Thomas Gold. 



COMMITTEE'S REPORT FOR REGULATING THE NAVY OF THE 
STATE OF CONNECTICUT. 

Wo, your Honors' committee, appointed to take into consideration what 
measures ought to be come into, for the better regulation and government of 
the navy or vessels of force fitted out by tliis State, and the officers, marines, 
and mariners employed on board of sai<l vessels ; take leave to report, that in tho 
opinion of this committee, the following Bill bo passed into an act of this 
Assembly, viz. : 

An act for the better regulation of the navy, being vessels of war belonging 
to this State. ' 

Bo it enacted by tho Governor, Council, and Representatives, in General 
Court assembled, and by tho authority of tho same. That the commanders of 
all ships and vessels of war belonging to this State, are strictly required to shew 
in themselves, a good example of honor and virtue to their under officers and 
men, and to be very vigilant in inspecting the behavior of all such as are under 
them, and to discountenance and suppress all dissolute, immoral, and disorderly 
practices, and all such as are contrary to the rules of discipline and obedience, 
and to correct those who are guilty of the same, according to the rules and 
usages in such cases. 

The commanders of ships, when there is a chaplain, are to take care that 
divine service be daily performed, morning and evening, and a sermon preached 
on Sundays, unless bad weather or other extraordinary accident prevent. 

If any person shall be heard to swear, curse, or blaspheme the name of God, 



APPENDIX. 693 

llie commander is strictly enjoined to punish them for every offence, by causing 
lliem to wear a woolen collar, or some other shameful badge oi distinction for so 
long time as he should judge proper. 

He who is guilty of drunkenness, if a seaman, shall be put in irons until he 
is sober ; but if an officer, he shall forfeit two days pay. 

No commander of any ship or vessel, shall inflict any punishment upon a 
seaman, beyond twelve lashes upon his naked back, with a suitable whip, with, 
out the sentence of a court martial ; but if the offence require it, he may apply 
for a court martial, and in the mean time confine the offender. 

The commander of any ship or vessel, is never by his own authority, to dis. 
charge a commissioned or warrant officer, nor to punish or strike him, but ho 
^may suspend or confine them for offences until a court martial can bo holden 
for the trial of their offence. 

The officer who commands, by accident of the captain or commander's ab- 
sence, (unless he be absent for a time, by leave,) shall not order any correction, 
but confinement; and upon the captain's return on board, he shall then give an 
account of his reasons for so doing. 

The captain is to cause the articles of war to be hungup in some public place 
of the ship, and read to the ship's company once a month. 

The seamen shall, at their request, be furnished with slops that are necessary, 
by the captain or purser, who shall keep an account of the same. 

The captain, before he sails on a cruise, shall make return, and leave with the 
Governor or commander-in-chief of tiiis Stale, or such other persons as shall be 
appointed for that purpose, a complete list of all the officers and men, with the 
lime and terms of their enlistment and entering ; and during his cruise, shall 
keep a true account of the desertion or death of any of them, and of the entering 
of others ; and after his cruise, and before any of Ihem are paid off, he shall make 
return of a complete list of the same, including those who shall remain on board 
his ship, together with an account of the slops and necessary articles delivered 
out to each man, which ought to be deducted out of their pay. 

The captain is to lake care when any inferior officers or volunteer seamen 
are turned over into the ship under his command, from any other ship, not to 
rale them on the ship's books, ia a worse quality, or a lower degree or station, 
than they served in the ships they were removed from ; and for his guidance, ho 
is to demand from the commander of the ship from which they were turned over, 
a list, under bis hand, of their names and qualities. 

Any officer, seaman, or others, entitled to wages or prize money, may have 
the same paid to his assigns or agent, provided the assignment or power of 
agency be attested by the captain or commander, the master or purser of the 
ship, or any assistant or justice of the peace. 

The captain is to discourage the seamen of his ship from selling any part of 
their wages and shares, and never to attest a letter of attorney of any seaman, 
until he is fully satisfied that the same is not granted in consideration of money 
given for the purchase of his share or wages. 

When any inferior officer or seaman dies, the captain is forthwith to make out 
a ticket for the time of his service, and return the same to the Governor or com- 
mander-in-chief of this State, or other persons, for that purpose appointed, in 
order that the wages may be paid to the executor or administrators of the 
<leccased. 



594 APPENDIX. 

A convenient place sli^fcc set apart for sick or hurt men, to which they are 
to be removed vvitli their hammocks and bedding, when the surgeon shall advise 
the same to be necessary, and some of the crew shall be appointed to attend and 
serve them, and keep the place clean. 

It is left to the discretion of the commanders to shorten the allowance of pro- 
visions, when absolute necessity shall require it, taking care that the men be 
punctually paid for the same. 

The captain shall frequently order the proper officer to inspect the condition 
of the provisions, of all kinds on board, and take all due and necessary care to 
preserve the same good, wholesome, and fit for use. 

The captain or purser, shall secure the clothing, bedding, and all other 
articles and things, of such persons as shall die or be killed, with a true inven-^ 
tory thereof, to be delivered to their executors or administrators. 

All papers, charter parties, bills of lading, passports, and other writings what- 
soever, found on board any ship or ships, which shall be taken, shall be carefully 
preserved, and the originals sent to the courts of justice for maritime affairs ; 
and if any person or persons, shall wittingly or negligently destroy, or suffer to 
be destroyed, or wittingly conceal from the proper officer, any such paper or 
papers, he or they so offending shall forfeit their share of such prize or prizes, 
and suffer such other punishments as the offence shall deserve, by the judgment 
of a court martial. 

When in sight of the ship or ships of the enemy, and at such other times as 
may make it appear necessary to prepare for an action or engagement, the cap. 
tain shall order all things in his ship in proper posture for fight ; and shall in 
his own person, and according to his duty, heart on and encourage the inferior 
officers and men to fight courageously, and not to behave themselves faintly, or 
cry for quarters, on pain of such punishment as the ofTence shall appear to 
deserve for his neglect. 

Any captain or other officer, mariner, or others, who shall basely desert their 
duty or station in the ships, or run away while the enemy is in sight, or in time 
of action, or shall entice others so to do, shall suffer death, or such other punish- 
ment as a court martial shall inflict. 

Any officer, seaman, or mariner, who shall begin, excite, cause, or join in any 
meeting or sedition in the ship to which he belongs, on any pretence whatever, 
shall suffer death, or such other punishment as a court martial shall direct. 

Any person in or belonging to the ship, who shall utter any words of sedition 
or mutiny, or endeavor to make any mutinous assembly on any pretence what- 
ever, shall suffer such punishment as a court martial shall inflict. 

None shall presume to quarrel with, or strike his superior, on pain of such 
punishment as a court martial shall order to be inflicted. 

If any person shall apprehend he has just cause of complaint, he shall quietly 
and directly make the same known to his superior officer, or to the captain, as 
the case may require, who shall take care that justice be done him. 

There shall be no quarrelling or fighting between shipmates on board any 
ship, nor shall there be used any reproachful or provoking speeches, tending to 
make quarrels and disturbance, on pain of imprisonment, and such other pun- 
ishment as a court martial shall think proper to inflict. 

If any person shall sleep upon his watch, or negligently perform his duty 
which shall be enjoined him to do, or forsake his station, he shall suffer such 



APPENDIX. . 595 

punishment as a court martial shall judge proper to inflict, according to the 
nature of his offence. 

All murder shall be punished with death. 

All robbery and theft shall be punished at the discretion of a court martial. 
, Any master at arms who shall refuse to receive such prisoner or prisoners, as 
shall be committed to his charge, or having received them, shall suffer him or 
them to escape, or dismiss them without orders for so doing, shall suffer in his 
or their stead, as a court martial shall order and direct. 

The captain, officers, and others, shall use their utmost endeavors to detect, 
apprehend, and bring to punishment, all offenders ; and shall at all times readily 
assist the officers appointed for that purpose, in discharge of their duty, on pain 
of being proceeded against and punished at discretion. 

All other faults, disorders, and misdemeanors which shall be committed on 
board any ship, which are not herein mentioned, shall be punished according to 
the laws, usages, and customs in such cases at sea. 

That His Excellency the Governor, or commander-in-chief of this State for 
the time being, be, and lie is hereby fully empowered to appoint a court martial 
for the trial of all capital crimes committed at sea on board any of the vessels of 
war belonging to this State ; which court martial shall consist of nine members 
at least, and as many of them as may be obtained williout delay, shall consist of 
officers belonging to the navy of this State. 

That in cases not capital, the commander or captain of any ship or vessel 
may appoint a court martial, which shall consist of at least one captain, one 
lieutenant of marines, if there shall be such officer of the marines then present; 
and the eldest captain shall preside where more are appointed. 

All sea officers of the same denomination shall take rank of the officers of 
marines. 

That in all cases where the nature of the case shall require. His Excellency 
the Governor, or commander-in-chief of this State, is empowered to appoint a 
court marlial for the trial of offences not capital, committed at sea, on board 
any vessel of war belonging to this State. 

Every member of a court martial shall take the following oath, viz. : " You 
swear that you will well and truly try, and impartially determine the cause of 
the prisoner now to be tried, according to the rules and regulations of the navy 
of the State of Connecticut, so help you God." Which oath shall be adminis- 
tered by the president to the other members, and the president shall himself be 
sworn by the officer in such court, next in rank. 

All witnesses, before they may be admitted to give evidence, shall take the 
following oath, viz. : " You swear the evidence you shall give in the cause now 
in hearing, shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so 
help you God." 

And it shall be the duty of the president of every court martial to transmit to 
the Governor, or commander-in-chief of this State, every sentence which shall 
be given, with a summary of the evidence and proceedings thereon, by the first 
opportunity ; and the sentence of a court martial, for any capital offence, shall 
not be put in execution until it be laid before the Governor, or commander-in- 
chief of this State ; who shall have power to confirm such sentence, or respite 
and reprieve the offender, under such sentence, until the next session of the 
General Assembly. 



m 



APPENDIX, 



Tlie captain or comm^|^r of any sliip or vessel, shall receive and obey all 
such orders and instructions, as shall be given him from time to time by His 
Excellency the Governor, and his Committee of Safety, or such other persons 
as shall be appointed for that purpose. 

There shall be allowed to each man serving on board the vessels of force be- 
longing to this State, a daily proportion of proviaions, according as is expres&ed 
in the following table, viz. : Sunday, 1 lb. bread, 1 lb. beef, 1 lb. potatoes or 
turnips. Monday, 1 lb. bread, 1 lb. pork, J pt. peas or beans, and 4 oz. ciieese, 
Tuesday, 1 lb. bread, 1 lb. beef, 1 lb. potatoes or turnips, and pudding. Wednes- 
day, 1 lb. bread, 2 oz. butter, 4 oz. cheese, and i pt. rice or samp. Thursday, 
1 lb. bread, 1 lb. pork, and ^ pt. peas or beans. Friday, 1 lb. bread, 1 lb. beef, 
1 lb. potatoes or turnips, and pudding. Saturday, ,1 lb. bread, 1 lb. pork, ^ pt. 
peas or beans, and 4 oz. cheese. Half pint of rum per man per day when at sea, 
and half that quantity when in port ; one pint of vinegar for six men per week. 

The pay of the officers and men shall be as follows, per calendar month, viz. : 
captain or commander, $32; lieutenant, $20; master, $20; mates, $15 ; 
boatswain, $15; boatswain's first mate, $9 34; boatswain's second mate, $8; 
gunner, $15 ; gunner's mate, $10 67 ; surgeon, $21 34 ; surgeon's mate, 
$10 67; carpenter, $15; carpenter's mate, $10 67; cooper, $15 ; midship- 
man, $12; armorer, $15; sail maker, $12; yeoman, $9 ; quarter master, $9; 
quarter gunner, $8 ; cook, $12 ; coxswain, $9 ; captain's clerk, $15 ; steward, 
$13 34; chaplain, $20; able seamen, $8; captain of marines, $26 67; 
lieutenant of marines, $18 ; sargeants, $8 ; corporals, $7 34 ; fifer, $7 34 ; 
drummer, $7 34 ; privates or marines, $6 67. 

If any person duly enlisted or engaged on board of any vessel, .shall desert the 
same, he shall forfeit all his wages due, and share of prizes, and shall suffer such 
other punishment as a court martial shall judge ; that in case of recapture, the 
recaptors shall have and retain, in lieu of salvage, one-eighth part of the true 
value of the vessel and cargo, or either, if the same hath been in possession of the 
enemy not more than twenty-four hours ; if more than twenty-four hours, and 
less than forty-eight hours, one-fifth part ; if more than forty-eight and less than 
ninety-six hours, one-third part ; if more than ninety-six, the one-half, unless 
the vessel hath been legally condemned as a prize, in some court of admiralty, 
in which case the recaptors to have the whole. 

That all captures, prizes, and shares, in lieu of salvage on the recaptures made 
by any ship or vessels belonging to this State, shall be and belong one-half thereof 
to the use of this State, and the other half to the use of the captors ; the neces- 
sary charges of condemnation being first deducted. 

That the captain of a single ship or armed vessel, have two-twentieth parts for 
liis share of the prize allotted to the captors. 

That the lieutenants of the ship, and of the marines, surgeons, chaplains, pur- 
sers, boatswains, gunners, carpenters, masters, mates, have three-twentieth parts, 
equally divided among them, share and share alike. 

That the midshipmen, clerk, surgeon's mate, steward, sail-maker, cooper, 
armorer, boatswain's mate, cook, coxswain, and sargeants of marines, have three- 
twentieth parts equally divided among them, share and share alike. 

That the remaining twelve-twentieth parts be divided among the rest of the 
ship's company, share and share alike. 

Provided, that where more than one ship or vessel arc in company and con- 



APPENDIX. 597 

cerned in the capture of any prize, the part of such prize which shall be adjudg- 
ed to accrue to each ship or vefesel, shall be shared and divided among the officers 
and crew of such ship or vessel, in the same proportion as above expressed in 
this act. 

That no officer or man have any share but such as are actually on board their 
several vessels at the time any prize is taken, excepting such only as may have 
been ordered on board any other prizes before taken, or sent away by his or their 
commanding officers. 

He who iirst discovers a ship or vessel which shall be made a prize, shall be 
entitled to a double share of such prize. 

He who shall first board any ship or other vessel making resistance, which shall 
become a prize, shall be entitled to a triple share of such prize. 

Provided, that this act shall continue and be in force until the rising of the 
General Assembly in May next, and no longer. All which is submitted by your 
Honors' most obedient humble servants. 
Signed, per order, 

Samuel Huntington. 

Continued over till the next session of Assembly. 

Test, Benjamin Payne, Clerk. 

Test, George Wyllys, Secretary. 



MEMORIAL OF NORWALK. 

October 14, 1777. 

To the Honorable, the General Assembly of the State of Connecticut, now 
sitting at Hartford : 

The memorial of us, the subscribers, inhabitants of the town of Norwalk, in 
said State, humbly sheweth : That the principal place of rendezvous for the 
enemy's shipping that cruise in tlie sound, is in Huntington Bay, on Long 
Island shore, where they have ever since the enemy took possession of New 
York and Long Island, been almost constantly stationed ibr the purpose of 
cruising in the sound, and for annoying, distressing, and plundering the inhab. 
itants that live near the sliorcs in the western towns in this State; that the 
shores easterly and westerly in said Norwalk, are so extensive, and there are so 
many points and necks of land that put out into the sound, that it is impossible 
for this town to furnish a suflicient number of men to guard every part lliereof 
from the ravages of the enemy; that Huntington Bay is not more than eight or 
nine miles soutlierly from the island's points and shores in said Norwalk, and- 
that the enemy frequently, just at night, cross tlie sound, and come upon us and 
take away our stock, and plunder us, notwithstanding the utmost care to pre- 
vent it ; and that the enemy have in some instances taken off part of our guards, 
and they very often of late, come liovering about our shores, and anchor about 
our islands with small armed sloops, and boats come within our harbor, and in 
two instances, have come in the night up our harbors and fired upon our houses, 
which causes frequent alarms, and creates great uneasiness among the women 
and children, who expect to be taken prisoners, or be robbed, plundered, and 
deprived of their whole subsistence and comforts of life ; and that as we have no 
armed force on the water, we have it not in our power to prevent the enemy's 
small sloops and boats coming into our harbors and distressing us. But your 
Honors' memorialists humbly conceive it would be otherwise, in case there would 
76 



598 APPENDIX. 

be an armed sloop, of abt^Kix or eight guns, to cruise in the sound along the 
western shores in this State, from the experience that the inhabitants had of 
Capt. Ilawley's cruising in the sound the last summer— as a vessel of such force 
would be sufficient to encounter and repel the enemy's small craft, and prevent 
them from coming within our harbors, and landing on our points, necks of 
land, and shores, and thereby relieve us in a great nieasure, from alarms, dig- 
tresses, and danger. Whereupon your Honors' memorialists humbly pray your 
Honors to take their matter into consideration, and order that a well fitted 
vessel, of about six or eight guns be purchased, to cruise in the sound, at the 
public expense, for the protection of the western shores in this State, and the 
relief of the inhabitants thereof from the distress and danger they are in from 
the enemy; or in such other way grant relief in the premises, as your Honors 
in yonr great wisdom shall judge best, and your Honors' memorialists, as in duty 
bound, shall ever pray. 

Dated at Norwalk, the 14th day of October, A. D. 1777. 
(Signed) 

John Rich, Nathan St. John, Jabez Gregory, Daniel Beth, Jr., John Abbot, 
Jr., Seth Abbot, Daniel Richards, John Hawley, Alvon Hyatt, Myer Myers, 
Abraham Benedict, Samuel Marvin, Isaiah Marvin, Hezekiah Hanford, Jesse . 
Benedict, Natlianiel Raymond, Timothy Wliitney, Ebenezer Lock wood, William 
Taylor, Jonathan Brown, Isaac Warren, Ichabod Marvin, Peter St. John, Aaron 
Adams, Uriah Smith, Daniel Finch, Eliphalet Lockwood, A.C.Jacobs, Abra- 
ham Gregory, Eieazer Hanford, Nathan Adams, Nehemiah Benedict, Asahel 
Raymond, Abraham Scribner, Nehemiah Grumman, Solomon Simson, Benjamin 
Jacobs, Matthew Marvin, Thomas Fitch, Stephen St. John, 2d., Nathaniel. Ben- 
edict, Thaddeus Betts, David Comstock, Samuel Grumman, Ozias Marvin, 
Daniel Benedict, Stephen Keeler, Jr., John Hanford, Matthew Mallory, Thomas 
Comstock, Theophilus Fitch, Josiah Taylor, Jr., Azor Belden, Charles Pope, 
Robert Waters, Haynes Fitch, Daniel Fitch, William St. John, John Eversly, 
Daniel Eversly, Gershom Hyatt, Eli Reed, Jesse Raymond, Clap Raymond, 
Benjamin Wynkoop, Isaac Lewis, John Hyatt, Fountain Smith, David WhiU 
ney, Ebenezer Whitney, Phineas Hanford. 



December 19, 1777. 
In a letter from Nathaniel Shaw, Jr., to Gov. Trumbull, dated December 19, 
1777, at New London, he stated that a number of seamen were brought from 
Long Island to New London, who belonged on board the British ship Swan, 
taken by Gen. Parsons, in his expedition to Long Island, and sent over to Maj. 
Buell, with orders to send them to Hartford. Mr. Shaw advised to send them 
immediately to New York, and redeem the Americans who had been taken in 
armed vessels. If the Governor approved of sending them to New York, he 
wished him to send an order to receive the prisoners from Maj. Buell or Gen. 
Parsons, and Mr. Shaw would send them to New York. 



John Bradford's account against Connecticut, for sales of four-sixteenths of 
the proceeds of property sold by him, of prizes taken by the Defence— of the 
ship Lord Howe, i;i81:3:4i; of the ship George, five-sixtecnths of do., 
XgOO : 18 : 7 ; of the brigantine Annabella, .£123 : 2 : 10^. By proportion of sun. 
dries sold by William Grccnlcaf, paid to said Bradford, £82 : 1 : 4. £1,287 : 6 : 1|. 



APPENDIX. 599 

January, 1778, 
On the 8th day of January, 1778, Samuel Shipman, of Saybrook, agent for 
said town, stated to the General Assembly, that since the commencement of the 
war with England to the 31st day of December, 1777, they had kept, by orders 
of the town authority, at the harbor, and on the sea coast, in said town, a guard 
for their protection, at the cost, (computing 6 shillings per day for each man, 
inchiding provisions and ammunition, &c.,) of ^246:11:10 lawful money, 
which sum was allowed and voted by said town to be paid ; and stated that said 
guards were kept for the security of the State at large, as well as the town, and 
that said expense should be paid by the State, and prayed the Assembly to allow 
and pay the same ; which petition was negatived. 



PETITION OF THE SELECTMEN OF HARTFORD TO REMOVE 
PRISONERS OF WAR. 

January, 1778. 
At a meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Hartford, in the State of 
Connecticut, holden at said Hartford, by adjournment, on the 23d day of 
December, A. D. 1777. 

Voted, Tliat tlie selectmen of this town, be, and they are hereby empowered 
and appoint-od to make application to the next General Assembly, for the 
removal of all prisoners of war that are, or shall be sent into this town, and for 
such other relief as the particular circumstances of said town doth, or may 
require. 

A true copy of record, examined by 

George Wyllys, Register. 

To the Honorable the General Assembly of the State of Connecticut, con. 
vened at Hartford, by adjournment, on the 8lh day of January, in the year of 
our Lord, 1778. 

The memorial of the selectmen of the town of Hartford, for the time being, 
humbly sheweth : That the said town of Hartford, at their lawful meeting, on 
the 23d day of December last, passed the following vote, to wit : " Voted, That 
the selectmen of this town, be, and they are hereby empowered and appointed 
to make applicalion to the next General Assembly, for the removal of all pris- 
oners of war that are, or shall be sent into this town, and for such other relief 
as the particular circumstances of said town doth, or may require." Where- 
upon, the memorialists in pursuance of said trust, beg leave to observe to your 
Honors, that the placing, and continuing of prisoners of war in this town, has 
been found to be attended with innumerable ill consequences, not only to the 
inhabitants in general, but to the public welfare ; that the public stores and 
magazines are hereby greatly exposed, and in some instances, have been stolen 
and lost ; that as this town from its situation, and constant resort to it is ahnost 
the centre of the earliest public intelligence, so of course every material occur, 
rence is the more liable to be communicated to the enemies of our country. It is 
also to be remarked that the price of the necessaries of life, such as wood, meat, 
bread, and clothing, is much increased by the Ikilish officers and their servants 
while in town, who do not stick at any sum to obtain the same, on purpose to 
distress the inhabitants, as well as to undervalue the currency of the country; 
that besides all this, they take every opportunity to debauch and alienate the 



600 APPENDIX. 

minds of such of tlic pco^T with whom llioy can possibly, by tlieir address, 
havo communication, Ihoy corrupt and vitiate their morals, and often induce the 
unwary to join in the commission of the grossest evils ; and it is also appre- 
hended that they are forming combinations with the blacks, so lliat the lives 
and property of many, are not without danger. 

Wherefore, for those and many more reasons easy to suggest, the inhabitants 
of said town of Hartford, consider themselves greatly burlhened and exposed, 
and cannot longer endure it, especially as these prisoners are now only under 
the direction of a commissary, who seldom doth, or can attend to their particular 
conduct or behavior. The memorialists, therefore, humbly pray your Honors' 
attention and consideration of tho premises, and that such rule and order may 
be mado thereon, as shall be thought reasonable and proper, and they as in duty 
bound shall pray. 

Hartford, January 8, 1778. 
(Signed) 

Joseph Church, Joseph Sheldon, Joseph Talcott, Jr., Ashbcl Pitkin, John 
Whitman, Jr., Jonathan Bull, Jonathan Wells, Selectmen. 



NATHAN DENISON'S MEMORIAL. 

January, 1778. 
To the Honorable General Assembly of tho^^State of Connecticut, now sitting 
at Hartford : 

Tho memorial of Nathan Dcnison, of Westmoreland, in the county of West- 

moreland, humbly slievveth — That he being colonel of tho 24th regiment of 

militia belonging to this State ; and on the 20th day of December last, being in. 

formed that a band of torlcs were forming on the westward of said town of 

Westmoreland, in order to stir up the Indians of Tioga to join said lories, and 

kill and destroy the inhabitants of this State; upon which information your 

memorialist ordered part of his regiment to be immediately equipt, and inarch to 

suppress the conspirators ; and also sent an express to the tribe of Indians at 

Tioga. The express being seven days in service, which service and expenses 

amounted to £5 :9 : 6; and the ofEcers and men who marched, were as follows, 

viz. : 1 lieutenant colonel, 1 captain, 5 subalterns, 7 sargeants, 5 corporals, and 

93 rank and file, who were nine days in service ; and also 1 subaltern and 11 

who were four days in service, and were supplied with 100 pounds of powder, 

and about 300 pounds of ball, which was delivered out of the town stock, and 

expended in said expedition ; which service and expenses being all for tho 

defence of this and th0j?rest of the United States. The memorialist therefore 

humbly prays your Honors to grant the wages^and expenses of tlie officers and 

men, who marched about 80 miles up the river and took sundry torics, and hap. 

pily contented the Tioga Indians, .^and entirely disbanded the conspirators ; and 

also allow the town of Westmoreland the ammunition expended as aforesaid, 

and order the expenses of said torics, confined in gaol, paid out of the treasury of 

this State; or in any other way grant to your memorialist and men such a rea- 

sonable reward as your Honors, in your great wisdom shall think just. 

Dated at Hartford, the 2Gth day of January, A. D. 1778. 

NATHAN DENISON. 
The prayer of thermemorialist was granted. 

[Note. — Col. Nathan Denison went up the Susquchannah river 80 miles afler 
tories, the 20th day of December, 1777.] 



APPENDIX. 601 

DANBURY RECORDS. 

January, 1778. 

To the Honorable General Assembly of the State of Connecticut, to be hoklen 
at Hartford, by adjournment, on the 8th day of January inst. We your Honors' 
committee, appointed at your session in October last, to repair to Danbury, and 
there by every lawful means to enquire into and ascertain the right of every 
person that niiglit be rendered precarious by the loss of the public records of 
said town, lately destroyed by the enemy, and to report, &:c. : Beg liberty to 
report, That on the 11th day of November last, we repaired to said Danbury, 
(having previously notified the inhabitants,) and advised thera to call a town 
meeting, and choose a committee in the various parts of the town, to collect 
from the inhabitants all the evidence of their title to their real estates, from deeds, 
surveys, and adjoining proprietors, &c., and to report to us, whereupon we ad- 
journed to and met on the 29th day of December then next ; and after a more 
thorough enquiry into the circumstances of said town, we find that some lands 
in said town are owned by persons not residing therein, and by minors, and per- 
sons inimical to the United States, that refuse to take any pains to ascertain their 
title, and others who have gone o^and joined the enemy. Considering the va- 
rious difficulties attending said town, beg leave to give it as our opinion, that an 
act be passed, directing that a committee be appointed by said town of Danbury 
to make proper surveys of all the highways and lands in said town, to the seve- 
ral persons now in possession, where there is no dispute but that he is the proper 
owner of such lands in possession, and to take all proper methods the circum- 
stances will admit of to come at the knowledge of the right each person hath to 
his lands, and in such surveys to bound out the land mentioned, the metes and 
boundaries thereof, and on whom it adjoins, and what quantity it contains, and 
when said surveys are made and signed by the committee, and recorded in the 
town records of said town, to make a full and complete title of such land to 
the owner or owners, and that attested copies thereof may be given in evidence 
in any court of record. All which is submitted by your Honors' most obedient 
humble servants. 

Danbury, December 31, 1777. 
(Signed) 

Daniel Sherman, Increase Moseley, Nehemiah Beardsley, Lemuel Sanford, 
Samuel Canfield, Caleb Baldwin, Jr., Committee. 

The report of the committee is accepted, 

BRITISH DEPREDATIONS IN DANBURY. 

January, 1778. 
Ebenezer White, of Danbury, of lawful age, testifies and says, that on or 
about the 26th day of April, 1777, at evening, there being a number of gentlemen 
at his house belonging to the British army, amongst which was one whom he 
understood was the Earl of Falkland's son, who told him (the deponent) that 
he was the first that entered Maj. Starr's house, and found a number of men in 
the house, among whom were two negroes, all of whom they instantly killed, 
and set fire to the house ; and gave this for a reason why they did so, that it was 
their constant practice, where they found people shut up in a house and firing 
upon them, to kill them, and to burn the house ; and further the deponent saith, 
that the said young gentleman told him that one of the negroes, after he had 



602 APPENDIX. 

run him through, rose up^H attempted to shoot him, and tliat lie the said Earl 
of Falkland's son cut his liead off himself; which negro, the deponent under- 
stood since was the property of Mr. Samuel Smith, of Redding ; and further the 
deponent saith not. 

Danbury, January 26, 177n. 

The Rev. Mr, Ebenezer White, the above deponent, personally appearing, 
made oath to the truth of the above written deposition. 

Sworn to before me, Thaddeus Benedict, Justice of the Peace. 

Ebenezer Weed, of Danbury, of lawful age, testifies and says, that on or 
about the 26th day of April, 1777, he being at home across the road opposite to 
Maj. Daniel Starr's house, he saw a negro at the house, ■which he knew to be 
the property of Mr. Samuel Smith, of Redding, about a half hour, as near as he 
can judge, before the British troops came to said house ; and further the depo- 
nent saith, that in the evening of said day, he heard a man belonging to the 
British army, say that they had killed one dam'd black with the whites, in said 
Starr's house ; and further the deponent saith not. 

Do-nbury, January 26, 1778. 

Sworn before Thaddeus Benedict, Justice of the Peace. 

Anna Weed, of Danbury, of lawful age, testifies and sayS, that on or about 
the 26th day of April, 1777, she being at home across the road opposite to Maj. 
Starr's house, she saw a negro at said house, which she understood was the 
property of Mr. Samuel Smith, of Redding, but a short time before the British 
troops came up to the house ; and further the deponent saitW she heard one of 
the British soldiers say here is a dam'd black in the house, what shall we do with 
him ? another answered, damn him, kill him, and immediately the house was in 
flames ; and further the deponent saith not. 

Danbury, January 26, 1778. 

Sworn to before Thaddeus Benedict, Justice of the Peace. 



BRITISH DEPREDATIONS IN GUILFORD. 

January, 1778. 

To the Honorable General Assembly, liolden at Hartford, on the 8th day of 
January : 

The memorial of Noah Fowler, David Bishop, Nathan Chittenden, and Wil- 
liam Starr, selectmen of the town of Guilford, humbly sheweth — That pursuant 
to a resolve of the General Assembly, in October, 1776, recommending to the 
civil authority and selectmen of the several towns on the sea coast and sound, 
immediately to set up a sufficient military watch and ward, and to order sufiicient 
sentries to be set in all proper places contiguous to the sea or elsewhere. The 
authority and selectmen of Guilford proceeded to set up a watch consisting of 24 
men, each night, divided into six sentries, which performed constant duty from 
the 20th of October to the 20th of December, 1776, and then ceased till the 12th 
of March, 1777, when they set the same number each night, till May 13th, when 
they were relieved by Capt. Sage, with a company of militia, who continued with 
them till the 8th of June following ; soon after which, viz. : on the I7th of June, 
a party of the enemy landed at Sachem's Head in said town, burnt a dwelling 
house, barn, &c., and took off a number of cattle, sheep, &c. ; whereupon it was 
thought necessary to keep a strong guard both day and night, as a large number 
of cattle were kept near the sea shore ; accordingly the watch was enlarged to 



APPENDIX. 603 

60 incn, which number went on duty day and night forty days, after which they 
liired a company of 30 men, which did duty fourteen days and nights, till the 5th 
of August, when they again ordered 40 men, which number did duty day and 
night till the lOlh of November last ; the whole expense of which guards have 
been borne by the said town, which allowing 4 shillings per man per day and 
night, and 2 shillings and 6 pence per man for night only, and deductions being 
made for those who were delinquent in doing duty, amounts to £1,025: 13:4, 
which your memorialists humbly apprehend to be a very unequal burden on the 
said town ; therefore humbly pray your Honors to take said matter into your 
wise consideration, and grant such relief as your Honors, in their wisdom shall 
thinl? just and equal ; and your memorialists as in duty bound shall ever pray. 

Guilford, January 3, 1778. 
(Signed) 

Noah Fowler, David Bishop, Nathan Chittenden, William Starr, Selectmen. 



STAMFORD MEMORIAL. 

February, 1778. 

The selectmen of Stamford, in February, l77ii, stated to the Assembly, that 
said town had been over charged" in the number of soldiers assigned as their 
quota for filling up the continental army, by at least ten men, upon a computa- 
tion of the whites, as returned in 1774; that since that time more than 100 men 
had joined the enemy from Stamford, and many others killed in battle, and oth. 
ers died in captivity, and many brought sick into the town from the army, to be 
taken care of, W'hich diminished their numbers, and rendered it difficult, if not 
impracticable, to supply their quota as allotted, without greatly distressing the 
inhabitants ; and more so by being a frontier town, being obliged themselves to 
perform more than their quota of service, to defend themselves and their neigh- 
bors. And therefore prayed the Legislature to grant thern relief in the premises, 
under their distressed circumstances. 

Stamford, February 16, 1778. 
(Signed) 

Abraham Davenport, Isaac Lockwood, Sylvanus Knapp, Selectmen. 



PETITION OF THE TOWN OF REDDING. 

February, 1778. 

To the Honorable General Assembly, sitting in February, 1778, by adjourn- 
ment, at Hartford : 

The petition of the civil authority and selectmen of the town of Redding, in 
Fairfield county, humbly sheweth — That the town of Redding is laboring at 
present, under so many misfortunes and inabilities, peculiar to ourselves, that 
arc not common to the other towns of this State, makes it almost, if not alto, 
gether impossible for us to raise tlie proportion of men for the continental army 
as set to us by your Honors ; we hope that we are and have always been willing 
to do our equal part in maintaining the common cause of America, and have ex. 
erted ourselves therein, always to the utmost of our abilities ; yet we, your 
petitioners, think it our indispensable duty, which we owe to ourselves and our 
brethren of this town, to inform your Honors, that since the commencement of 
the present war, that no less than 49 able bodied, effective men, all inhabitants 
of this town, have been so inhumanly wicked and infatuated as to leave their 
friends, and most of them their families, and join the ministerial army, enemies 



604 APPENDIX. 

of this and the other Uii^l States of America, where they still remain ; and 
also out of those who were niude prisoners by said enemy in their expedition to 
Danbury, six persons, inhabitants as aforesaid, died ; and we your petitioners, 
would fartiior inform your Honors, tliat wo have now enlisted and engaged in 
the service during the present war, nine men more as arlificors, which has great- 
ly thinned the inhabitants of this, so small a town ; all whicli inconvcnicncies 
and misfortunes we labor under, over and above what wo share in common with 
the other towns of this State ; wherefore we flatter ourselves that had your 
Honors been duly notified of our peculiar circumstances, your Honors would 
not (considering the smallness of our town, and the many families we have to 
support, whose estates are confiscated,) have set our proportion of men to be 
raised so high, as at present it is set. We, your Honors' petitioners, therefore, 
pray your Honors to take our case and particular circumstances into your wise 
consideration, and in your great goodness, grant us relief in the premises, and 
set our proportion of men to be raised, according to the number of our present 
able bodied, effective men; and your petitioners as in duty bound, sliall ever pray. 

49 gone to the enemy, 6 dead prisoners, 9 artificers — total, G4. 

Redding, February 13, 1778, 

(Signed) 
Lemuel Sanford, William Hawley, Justices of the Peace. 
Hezekiah Sanford, William Heron, John Gray, Thaddous Benedict, Selectmen. 

These certify that there are but 112 able bodied, effective men, in both our 
train bands or companies, liable to do duty out of the State ; and liiat there has 
enlisted into the continental army out of Redding, 28 men. 
Redding, February 13, 1778. 
Certified per 

John Gray, captain of the alarm list, and train band. 



April 20, 1778. 

Capt. Parker, in a letter, dated Oliver Cromwell, April 20, 1778, latitude 20, 
longitude 50, to Governor Trumbull, stated that if the Admiral Keppel should 
arrive safe in port, that John Tillinghast, his 3d lieutenant, who had tlie com- 
mand of her, would give a particular account of the value of both ships and 
their cargoes. He stated that on Wednesday, tlie 13th of April, 1778, at about 
10 o'clock, A. M., he fell in with the siiips Admiral Keppel and Cyrus, from 
Bristol for Jamaica, both of them lettcrs-of-marque, mounting eighteen excellent 
6 pounders each ; that the Keppel had a very warlike appearance and was the 
best manned. He ran close along side of her, in the Cromwell, and received her 
first fire at some distance, but did not return it until he came close on board ; she 
gave the Cromwell a warm reception for about three glasses, when she struck. 
Capt. Parker had one man killed ; James Day, captain of marines, mortally 
wounded, soon died ; and two others had their thighs broken, of doubtful recov- 
ery ; three others wounded, one through the arm, one through the leg, the other 
in the shoulder, not dangerous. He stated that the courage and bravery of liis 
raw, undisciplined men, could not fail of doing honor to their country ; and the 
merit of his officers, conspicuous to all, in keeping such inexperienced young 
boys, (as many of them were) to their quarters, without the show of fear or 
noise or confusion, through the whole short and warm action. 

Lieut. Pease, of the Defence, brought in the Cyrus, Capt. Smedley was 



APPENDIX. 605 

iiiif'ortunato in having a leaky ship, by wliicli his sliip was weakened ; he also 
had the small pox on board. As Capt's. Parker and Sincdley were intimate 
friends, Capt. Parker rendered hini all assistance, and they had been mutually 
serviceable to each other. The invoices of the Koppel were inclosed to Capt. 
Jabez Perkins. He also sent the Governor a packet of late newspapers with a 
printed bill, with its amendments, to enable His Majesty to send commissions 
to America. He stated that he should cruise in the latitude where he then was, 
and then follow his orders, &.c. 

May 20, 1778. 
By a letter, dated Boston, May 20, 1778, from S. Elliot, Jr., to Gov, Trum. 
bull, congratulating him on the arrival of the (>yrus, of 16 carriage guns, which 
with the Admiral Kcppel, of 18 guns, taken by the ships Oliver Cromwell and 
Defence, after a smart engagement of three glasses. The gallant Capt. Day, 
with one man, was killed, and some wounded. The particulars of the engage. 
inent to be given by Mr. Cohoun, an oificcr of the Cromwell, (the bearer) to the 
Governor. The prize arrived safe at Capo Ann on the 19th day of May. Tho 
Admiral Kcppel had not yet arrived. 

May 21, 1778. 
By a letter from Samuel Elliot, Jr., at Boston, to Gov. Trumbull, dated JMay 
24, 1778, it appears that iho ship Admiral Keppel, which had been captured by 
the Cromwell and Defence, and arrived in Boston on Thursday previous to the 
aforesaid date, had on board a very valuable cargo, and the lion. Henry Sliirly 
and fi^mily, as passengers. Capt. Parker and Mr. Elliot gave Mr. Shirly a 
letter to Gov. Trumbull, to obtain liberty to return to his own country, or wlut 
would be more gratifying to him, to proceed to Jamaica. This prize was stated 
by Mr. Elliott, to be by far the most valuable prize that had been taken by the 
State's vessels, and that he would lake charge of that moiety of the cargo which 
belonged to Connecticut. Capt. Parker staled in a letter to Gov. Trumbull, 
that Capt, Brown commanded the Admiral Keppel, bound from Bristol to 
Jamaica, transporting said Shirly and bis lady and family to that island, to settle 
the affairs of his estate there. Mr. Shirly was a gentleman of estimable char, 
actor, and bad been ambassador from the court of Great Britain to that of 
Russia. 

June 2, 1778. 
Gov, Trumbull, in a letter to Samuel Elliot, Jr.. dated Hartford, Juno 2, 1778, 
permitted Mr. Shirly to visit Connecticut by the middle road from Boston, with 
permission for Mr. Phipps and hiy surgeon and servants to accompany him, if 
he wished them, when the Governor would conclude on his claims, with dircc. 
tions to Mr. Elliot to assist him on his journey, and to make Mrs. Shirly and 
her daughter, as easy as their unfortunate situation would admit in his absence; 
with directions that the prisoners who were seamen, should be kept on board 
the prize ship. 

May 24, 1778, 
A letter, dated Boston, May 24, 1778, from Col. J. Trumbull to Gov. Trum. 
bull, regarding Mr. Shirly ; in which he remarked, that Mr. Shirly was a gen- 
tlenoan of groat fortune, of powerful connexions, and of course enabled to 
77 



606 



APPENDIX. 



become a mighty engine ^For against this country ; that at that time he was 
favorably inclined towards us, and had taken no active part against the States; 
and was of the opinion that good policy, not to say justice, would induce him to 
grant Mr. Shirly a flag, to transport him and his family to his estate in Jamaica, 
as he was the gentleman who formerly presented the Jamaica petition to the 
King of Great Britain in our favor. Also that he used his influence in the 
prize ship, over the prisoners on board to keep them quiet, without which it 
would have been impossible to have brought said prize into port, as the Oliver 
Cromwell had few seamen, and most of them sick with the small pox. Col. 
Trumbull also wished that the men, who so honestly brought in said ship, might 
be rewarded by a permission to return as hands on board the flag that should bo 
granted to Mr. Shirly. Mr. Trumbull stated that it had been suggested to take 
from Mr. Shirly his personal furniture, such as bedding, clothing, &c. ; which 
act he conceived would be most infamous, and contrary to all practice. A diffi- 
culty had again arisen as to the prisoners, as the Council had demanded them of 
Mr. Elliott, to be confined on board the guard ships until exchanged ; but Mr. 
Elliot had refused to comply with the demand, until he should receive orders 
from the Governor of Connecticut. Col. Trumbull wished the dispute settled, by 
defining how far the authority of one State, might with propriety, interfere 
with that of another. The seamen of the Keppel disliked to be exchanged as 
prisoners of war, as they feared the consequence would be, their being impressed 
for the navy, a service which they detested. 

May, 1778. 
Samuel Efliott, Jr., Esq., agent for Connecticut in Massachusetts, petitioned 
the Council of Massachusetts; in which memorial ho stated, that a number of 
passengers were on board the prize Keppel, viz. : Henry Shirly, Esq., his lady 
and daughter, a hand maid of Mrs. Shirly, and three servants of his ; also Mr. 
Phipps, of Jamaica, and Mr. Jcpson, for whom he asked liberty to accommodate 
in Boston in a manner suited to their rank and character. Also that there were 
on board said prize ships, taken by the ships of war then in the Boston harbor, 
a number of sailors who enlisted to bring the vessels Into port, which was neces. 
sary, as 60 of the men on board the Defence were inoculated for the small pox ; 
and that the Oliver Cromwell had been obliged to sail with a number of men 
far short of her complement; and that the enlisted men had conducted well, of 
which he had informed Gov. Trumbull, and had engaged they should be kept on 
board said prize ships, and abide the directions of the Governor of Connecticut. 

Mat 30, 1778. 
A letter from Gov. Trumbull to Mr. Elliott, dated at Hartford, on the 30th of 
May, 1778, was received, congratulating him on the news of the arrival of the 
prize Admiral Keppel and cargo, with the prisoners, Mr. Shirly, &c., with 
directions to pay proper attention to Mr. Shirly, and allow him all the indul- 
gence consistent with his duty and the safety of the State. 

May 30, 1778. 
. By a letter from Gov. Trumbull to S. Elliott, Jr., dated Hartford, May 30, 
1778, directing him to dispose of the provisions of the Cyrus and the other 
cargo, such as butter, cheese, hams, tripe, and sour crout, &c., owned by this 



APPENDIX. 607 

State, and to suspend the sale of other articles, until further orders, when a 
particular invoice of the cargoes should be received. Also gave directions that 
the seamen and marines taken on board said prize ships, should be humanely 
treated, and not confined in gaols or prison ships, with permission given them 
to enlist into the sea service, and such of them as should not so enlist, to be 
kept and exchanged for American seamen in the hands of the enemy. 

The prize ship Admiral Keppel, captured by Capt. Farkar, of the Cromwell, 
and Capt. Smedley, of the Defence— the ship and cargo sold at auction, Boston, 
July 8, 1778. for the sum of £22,320 : 18 : 9 ; net proceeds i;22,013 : 18 : 9, by 
William Greenleaf, 

Dated at Boston, September 23, 1778, 



NAMES OF SHIPS OF WAR. 
The vessels of war in service, in this State, in the American revolution, were 
the brig Minerva, schooner Spy, Defence, ship Oliver Cromwell, row galley 
Shark, row galley Whiting, brig America, sloop Dolphin, sloop Mifflin, Resist, 
ance, sloop Schuyler, brig Silliman, frigate TrumLull, Bourbon frigate, row 
galley Crane, The Guilford, New Defence, Putnam, Revenge, sloop Stark, 
Young Cromwell, Confederacy, Count De Grasso, sloop Tiger, Alliance, and 
sloop Phcenix. [Connecticut Courant.] 



ATTACK OF THE BRITISH UPON NEW HAVEN. 

July, 1779. 

The following account was published in the Connecticut Gazette, a paper 
then printed by Timothy Green, Esq., at Now London. 

On the evening of the 5th of July, two expresses arrived at New London with 
despatches for the commanding officer at that post, with the information that 
70 sail of British shipping from New York wore in the sound, and supposed to 
be bound for New London. The second express stated, that they had landed 
at West Haven, at 6 o'clock, on Monday morning, and were advancing towards 
New Haven. Expresses were immediately sent into the towns back of New 
London, to notify the militia; and the militia of New London and Groton were 
forthwith ordered under arms. By news from East Haven, Monday night, at 
12 o'clock, it appeared the enemy on Monday morning, landed 700 men at East 
Haven Point, and took possession of a small fort, which mounted four guns . 
that a brisk fire was heard at New Haven, at 11 o'clock, on Monday ; that the 
British came round the west part of the town, burnt the powder mill and paper 
mill, and marched through the north part of the town to Callow's Hill, (an 
eminence which commanded the Hartford road, where they were intrenching, 
and had the entire possession of the town ; that the army consisted of about 
2,600 men, a part of whom came from the North river to New Rochelle and 
embarked on board the ships. Heavy firing was heard at New Haven on Tues- 
day. The militia came in, in great numbers. 

July 14, 1779. A farther account was given, that the troops were under Gen. 
Tryon, and landed in three divisions at 5 o'clock, on Monday morning, one at 
West Haven, another at East Haven, and a third at long wharf. The first 
division marched direct for the west bridge, where a few of the inhabitants 
were collected, and took up the bridge, by which they obliged the British to 



608 APPENDIX. 

march up the west sidc^^lic river, about two miles to Thompson's bridge, 
where the people had collecied, and a smart skirmish ensued, and continued 
until the enemy entered the town, at 11 o'clock. The third division landed in 
town, (New Haven) about half after 11 o'clock ; each party had killed about 23 
persons, among whom were some uflicers. The British left New Haven about 
7 o'clock, A. M., on Tuesday, after having set fire to the stores, houses, and 
shipping at long wharf, and landed in East Havan, where they burned several 
houses, and at 6 P. M. embarlicd, and sailed at 7 o'clock. The British fleet 
then sailed direct to Fairfield, where the troops landed and burnt all the com- 
pact part of the town, except a few houses (10) ; they then embarked and went 
to Huntington, (Long Island,) where they lay until Saturday, and on that 
evening, they landed at Norwalk, in two parties, one on the east and the other 
on the west side of the harbor, about 2,500 men ; the next morning they marched 
to the town, and about (i o'clock, set fire to the buildings, and consumed the 
whole town, except a few scattering houses. A few continental and militia 
troops, commanded by Gen's. Wolcott and Parsons, made considerable resist. 
ance, and a few were killed on both sides, and about 2 o'clock, the same day, 
the troops embarked on board their vessels. 

The west bridge on Milford road was taken up, and several field pieces carried 
there, and some slight works thrown up for the defence of that pass. The divi- 
sion under Gen. Garth being landed, immediately began their march towards 
the town. The first opposition made to them was by about 25 of the citizens to 
an advanced party of the enemy of two companies of light infantry. These, 
though advancing on Milford Hill, were attacked with great spirit, by the mere 
handful of inhabitants, driven back nearly to West Haven, and one of them 
taken prisoner. The British then advanced in their main body, with strong 
flanking parties and two cannon ; but finding a smart fire kept up from the field 
pieces at the bridge aforesaid, dare not force an entrance to the town by the 
bridge, the usual road, but to make a circuitous march of nine miles, in order 
to enter New Haven by the Derby road. In this march, the small party of citi- 
zens on the Milford Hill increased to about 150 men, promiscuously collected 
from several companies of the militia, and had a smart encounter with the ene- 
my's left flank, near the Milford road, where their Adjutant Campbell was killed, 
whom they greatly lamented. Our people being greatly overpowered by num- 
bers on the Hill, gave way, but kept up a continual fire on the enemy and 
galled them much, on their march to Thompson's bridge, on the Derby road (to 
New Haven.) Those who were posted at the v/est bridge perceived the move- 
ments of the enemy ; and that another large body of them had landed at the 
south end, on the east side of tVie harbor, quit the west bridge and marched to 
Thompson's bridge, but by the time they reached the banks of the river, the 
enemy were in possession of the bridge, and the places at which the river was 
there fordable ; yet having received some strength by the coming in of the militia, 
they gave the British a smart fire from two field pieces and the small arms, which 
continued with little abatement, until the enemy were in possession of New Ha- 
ven. The New Haven troops and people were obliged to retreat, either to the 
fields north and west of the town, or through the town across the neck bridge. 
The enemy entered the town between 12 and 1 o'clock. In the mean time, the 
division of the enemy, before mentioned to have landed at the end, which was 
under the immediate command of Gen. Tryon, was bravely resisted by a small 



APPEiNDIX. 609 

party of men, with one field piece, who, besides other execution, killed an officer 
of the enemy in one of their boats at their landing. This division marched up 
by land and attacked the fort at Black Rock ; at the same time, their shipping 
drew up and attacked it from the harbor. The fort had only 19 men and three 
piecee of artillery, yet was defended as long as reason or valor dictated, and then 
the men made their retreat. The town being now in the full possession of the 
enemy, it was, notwithstanding their proclamation, delivered up, except a few 
instances of protection, to promiscuous plunder ; in which, besides robbing the 
inhabitants of their watches, moncji^ plate, buckles, clothing, bedding, and pro- 
visions. Sic. ; they broke and destroyed household furniture and other property to 
a very great amount ; some families lost all, and many were left without food or 
a change of clothing. A body of militia sufficient to penetrate the town could 
not be collected that evening ; and the inhabitants were obliged to be satisfied 
with annoying the enemy, which was done with spirit most of the afternoon, 
about Ditch Corner. 

Early on Tuesday morning, the enemy unexpectedly, and with perfect still- 
ness and despatch, called in their guards and retreated to their boats, and carried 
with them several of the inhabitants as prisoners, most of whom were taken 
without arms, a part of whom went on board the British fleet, and others crossed 
over to Gen. Tryon, at East Haven. On Tuesday afternoon, the militia had 
collected in such numbers, and crowded so close upon Gen. Tryon, that he re- 
treated on board his fleet, and set sail to the westward. 

The loss of the enemy was not known, but was supposed to be considerable, 
including some officers, besides Adjutant Campbell. The Americans had,- from 
the best information, 27 killed and 19 wounded. Several of our men appeared 
to have been wounded with shot, though not moilally, but were afterwards kill- 
ed with bayonets. Gen. Garth declared to one of the militia who was wounded, 
that he was sorry his men had not killed him, instead of taking him, and that 
he would not have his men give quarters to one militia man taken under arms. 

Although, in this expedition, it must be confessed, to the credit of the Britons, 
that they did not do all the injury in their power, yet the brutal ravishment of 
women, the wanton and malicious destruction of property, (he burning the stores 
on the wharf, and eight houses in East Haven. The beating Stabing, and insult- 
ing the Rev. Dr. Daggett, after he was made a prisoner, the mortally wounding 
of Mr. Beers, Sen., in his own door, andotherwise abusing him ; the murdering 
the worthy, aged, and helpless Mr. English, in his own house ; the beating, cut. 
ting out the tongue, and killing a deranged man, are sufficient proofs of their 
being Britons. ^- » 

The troops were conducted to New Haven by one William Chandler, son of 
Joshua Chandler, then late of New Haven, who with his family, left the place 
with the enemy in their retreat. • 

The British carried away between 30 and 40 of the inhabitants ; among them 
John Whiting, Esq., judge of probate and clerk of the county court. They left 
New Haven Tuesday evening, and on the next day (7th) landed at Fairfield, and 
notwithstanding some force there collected, they entered it, and plundered all 
they could carry ofl", and burned the compact part of the town, being near 100 
dwelling houses, besides the public buildings, and the meeting house, and 13 
dwelling houses at Green's Farms, and 8 at Mill River, within Fairfield bounds. 

On Saturday, of the same week, the enemy's fleet appeared oft" Norwalk, and 



610 APPENDIX. 

early next morning, lan^^^he British troops at Norwalk, and laid the town in 
ashes, together with the church and meeting house, stores, barns, &c., and killed 
5 or 6 men at Norwalk, and 3 or 4 at Fairfield. 

[depositions,] 

Sarah Townscnd, of New Haven, testified, that wiien the British forces en. 
tered New Haven, about noon, oti the 5lli of July, 1779, a parly of them soon 
came to her husband's house, and in a very (urious manner, with horrid execra. 
tions, seized her husband, and stripped him instantly of his buckles and shoes, 
and took him away at the point of their bayonets, down to the wharf, on board 
a vessel, and left her with a number of small children and an aged annt in the 
utmost distress. At other times, other British soldiers visited the house, who 
she tried to oblige and mollify as far as possible by provisions and drink, as they 
wished, yet they plundered, took away or spoiled the furniture of the house, and 
threatened her life, with the most shocking execrations, until through her 
fears and the cries of her children, she was ready to sink and give out. Late 
in the afternoon, she understood that Sir George Collier was in the next house ; 
she resolved to apply to him for protection from «uch perpetual abuses, and 
trusted that an officer of such distinction, would at least act the gentleman, and 
take pity on her. She met liiin in the street, and applied to him in the most 
complacent manner, slie was able, with a child hanging on each side of her, and 
a babe in her arms. He heard her story, but answered her roughly, and said ho 
supposed her husband was a rebel, &c. ; she replied, that her husband was 
quiet in his house, when taken, and had not been under arnjs that day, &c. 
Sir George looked at her babe, and said " You have got a pretty child there ; 
is it yours ?" she told him it was. He then said to her, " Are you willing that 
it should bo cut up, and made a pie of? the Congress, they say, eat such pies, 
and they are very good." Shu made no direct reply, for she was so affected, 
she was unable to express herself; but continued to importune for relief and 
protection. Ho at last told her, " You may tell them Sir George Collier says, 
they must not hurt you," and went off; she complied with his direction, to very 
little effect. She said this is a very imperfect representation of the abuse and 
cruel treatment sl-.e received. 

(Signed) SARAH TOWNSEND. 

Sworn before Samuel Bishop, Jr., Justice of the Peace. 

John Collins, formerly an officer in the continental navy, sick at the house of 
Capt. Thomas Wooster, in New Haven, testified, that on the 5lh day of July, 
1779, soon after the British army took possession of New Haven, a number of 
British soldiers entered Mrs. Wooster's house, (the widow of Gen. Wooster,) 
and demanded of her, her silver and silver plate ; she told them she had none in 
the house. They then demanded her f)ockets, which she refused ; one of the 
soldiers seized her by her shoulder, swore she had plate, and he would kill her 
unless she delivered it. She then took awatch from her pocket and gave it to 
them, and luid some other trifles on the table, and attempted to escape at the 
door. They cried, damn her, stop her, and laid violent hands upon her; and one 
leveled his gun at her breast, damned her, and swore if she moved a step, he 
would shoot her dead. They then demanded her ear rings, and her handker- 
chief from her neck. She asked them if they were not ashamed to treat a 
woman thus; one replied, damn you, do you think you must wear a silk 



APPENDIX. 611 

handkerchief when I have none? As they were about to use violence to obtain 
llicm, Mrs. Wooster delivered them up. They then turned their attention to 
Mr. Collins, and made him a prisoner, when Mrs. Wooster escaped ; as they 
found Mr. Collins was unable to go with them, they took from him his hat, 
stock buckle, shoe and kneebuckles, they then seized him by the shoulder, threw 
him upon the floor, presented a bayonet at his breast, then reeking with blood, 
as he supposed of the aged Capl. English,- who had just been murdered, and 
swore they would kill him, if he did not immediately tell them where his money 
was. He told them he had none, and ho was not the owner of the house. 
They damned him, and swore he lied, and they would run him through if lie did 
not disclose where his money was ; they searched his pockets and found a paper 
they swore was his commission, and swore he was a damned officer in the rebel 
service, and they would kill him instantly. 
Sworn July 26, 1779, before Samuel Bishop, Jr., Justice of the Peace. 

[Note. — It appears by the testimony of Rose Luke and Mrs. Gatter, that 
several attempts, to violate chastity, by the soldiers, occurred in New Haven, on 
the 5lh of July, 1779.] 

/ 

Elias Beers, of lawful age, testifies and says, that he saw his father, Nathan 

Beers, late of New Haven, about three hours after he was wounded by the 
enemy, on the 5iIj of July, 1779, and received from his mouth the following 
account of the treatment he received from the enemy, viz. : that upon their 
entrance into town; an officer, mortally wounded, near his father's house, was 
brought in and dressed there, whom his father assisted with bandages, &c., for 
dressing his wound, besides treating them with kindness and hospitality, for 
which the (British) officer, on his departure, returned him thanks, and said he 
should not be hurt, but protected for his kindness. After the officer was carried 
away, a party of soldiers came upon him as he was peaceably standing at his 
front door, and charged him with firing out of his house, which he denied : he 
told them he had no arms in his house ; he saw by their motions, they intended 
murdering him ; he added, I am an old infirm man, I am not able to do you any 
hurt, and have done nothing to oppose you, all I have is in your hands, why 
should you take away my life. Unmoved by this remonstrance, they snapped 
three guns with fixed bayonets at his breast, one of the guns only went off, 
which he struck down from his breast, and the ball entered his right hip, and as 
ho fell, they were about to end his life with their bayonets, but he begged to be 
spared, told them he was mortally wounded. The party then left him, and 
went to plundering the house. After the loss of much blood, he got to the bed, 
and in some measure stopped the blood ; another party came in soon after, 
hauled him from the bed, demanded his money, kicked and otherwise abused 
and insulted him, and set his wound bleeding again ; being deaf to all entreaties, 
several parties, one after another, plundering, and destroying furniture, &c., 
came at him with fixed bayonets, insulted, threatened, and abused him; of these 
wounds he died on the 10th of July, 1779, in the 61st year of his age. 

ELIAS BEERS. 
New Haven, July 26, 1779. Sworn before Samuel Bishop, Jr., Just. Peace. 

Isaac Beers agreed to the facts testified by his brother Elias, and testified, 
that he was himself taken a prisoner in his own house, and when a prisoner 
ho heard Gen. Garth tell Mr. Isaac Woodin, who was a wounded prisoner, that 



612 APPENDIX. 

ho was sorry his men fa^^nol killed liim instead of making him a prisoner, and 
that he would not have his men give quarters to one militia man taken in arms. 
July 26, 1779. Sworn before Samuel Bisuop, Jr., Justice of the Peace. 

On the 24th of July, 1779, Lois Cook, of New Haven, testified, that on the 
5th day of July, 1779, Elisha Tuttle, of New Haven, a distracted person, was 
laid at her door, wounded and in his gore, by the British troops soon after they 
entered the town. They asked her if she knew him ? She washed off the blood, 
and told them his name and circumstances. One of the officers seemed affected, 
and permitted her to take charge of him. He had many wounds on his head 
and body, and one on his tongue ; and a part of his tongue on the 3d day came 
off, and he soon after died. The wounds appeared to have been made by a 
bayonet. 

Sworn before Eneas Munson, Justice of the Peace. 

Abigail English, of New Haven, testified, that on the 5th day of July, 1779, 
when the British troops were in New Haven, that Benjamin Englisli, aged 74 
years, was alone in his house, and she saw a number of British troops at his well, 
drinking water ; and soon saw a soldier come out of his house, at the back door. 
Said English came to the back door, with his hand on his breast, and the blood 
running ; and he cried out — he has stabbed me, he has stabbed mc. And she 
asked why he stabbed him .'' he answered, he could not say, for he humored them 
as much as lay in his power. Said English walked about two rods, and fell, and 
instantly expired. He had three wounds in his breast, as if made by a bayonet. 
She went into the house, and found blood in the great chair where he usually 
sat, and where she supposed he received his mortal wound. 

July 28, 1779. Sworn before Eneas Munson, Justice of the Peace. 

Charles Ailing, of New Haven, testified, that he saw examined, and assisted 
in burying Capt. John Gilbert, Asa Todd, Joseph Dorman, Samuel Woodin, and 
Silas Woodin. That Capt. Gilbert was shot through the knee, and then appeared 
to have been killed with a club, as his head was badly bruised, and a bloody 
club lay upon him. That no wound appeared upon -the person of Asa Todd, 
except he was pierced with a bayonet, once through the head, and twice through 
the body. That Joseph Dorman had his thigh broken just above his knee, but 
it appeared to have been done with a stone, which lay by him bloody ; and yet 
he was pierced with bayonets, once through the head and once through the -body, 
but no other wound. That Samuel Woodin appeared to be shot through the body 
with a grape shot, and no otherwise wounded ; that he could say nothing in 
particular, as to Silas Woodin. 

(Signed) CHARLES ALLING. 

Sworn at New Haven, July 2G, 1779, before Samuel Bishop, Jr., Just. Peace. 

[Note. — The Deposition of the Rev. Napthali Daggett, is omitted in this work, 
as it has been published in the Connecticut Historical Collections, by J. W. 
Barber.] 

DAMAGE BY THE BRITISH TROOPS IN NEW HAVEN. 

July 5, 1779. 
A committee was appointed by the General Assembly of this State, in Octo. 
ber, A. D. 1779, to enquire into and estimate the losses of the inhabitants of 
Now Haven, by the hostile invasion of the British troops. The committee met 



APPENDIX. 



613 



at New Haven, on the 14lli day of Docenibor, 1779, and examined the losses of 
the sufferers, and computed each article at tlie price of the article in the year 
1774, except West India rum, which was estimated at 6 shillings per gallon, 
molasses at 4 shillings per gallon, wine at 12 shillings per gallon, French 
brandy at 15 shillings per gallon, salt at 12 shillings per bushel, brown sugar at 
1 shilling per pound, bohea tea at 6 shillings per pound, loaf sugar at 2 shillings 
per pound, and chocolate at 3 shillings per pound ; and said committee reported 
to the General Assembly, in January, 1780, the name and loss of each suiFerer. 
which report was accepted by said Assembly, and approved, and ordered to be 
lodged on file in the Secretary's office. The amount of the total loss so reported 
was £24,693 : 7 : 6, as cash in 1774, (and £l,b9-2 continental money,) which was 
destroyed by the British ; which report was made by Samuel Barker, Joseph 
Hopkins, and Gideon Buckingham, as committee, and by them signed. 

July 5, 1779. 
An account of the losses sustained by the inhabitants of New Haven, by the 
British troops, July 5, 1779, as estimated by the sufferers, is found in the Secre- 
tary of State's office, without any action of the Legislature endorsed upon it, 
which amounts to the sum of i;23,703 : 10 ; which account is certified by Samuel 
Bishop, Jr., to bo an account of ihe losses sustained when the enemy came into 
New Haven, which certificate is dated at Lebanon, August 3, 1779, from which 
facts, it is presumed, the account was lodged with Gov. Trumbull. 



REPORTS OF COMMITTEES UPON THE LOSSES IN FAIRFIELD 
COUNTY BY THE INVASION OF THC BRITISH. 

GREENWICH. 
In the month of October, 1779, the General Assembly of this State, appointed 
James Beard, Increase Mosely, and Elisha Mills, a committee to enquire into and 
estimate the losses of every individual in the town of Greenwich, occasioned by 
the hostile invasion of the British troops ; and to abate State taxes, (in whole or 
part) of such of the sufferers, as in their opinion were proper subjects. The 
committee met at Greenwich, on the 30lh day of November, 1779, and enquired 
into said losses, by receiving from each claimant, under oath or affirmation, a 
list of the several articles they had lost, with the prices affixed, at the rate they 
were usually sold in the year 1774; and the committee examined and adjusted 
said lists and prices as uniformly alike as possible, with each person's loss an. 
nexed to his name, which was so reported to the Assembly, holden in January, 
1780, which amounted to the sum of £6,365 : 11 : 8 ; beside £369 : 17 : 7, which 
last was exhibited to the committee by persons who had not taken the oath of 
fidelity to this State, a part of whom, were of a suspicious character, and there- 
fore were reported separate from the others. The committee then considered 
the circumstances of the inhabitants of said town, for the purpose of designating 
the greatest sufferers, in being robbed of their effects, drove from their farms, 
and otherwise harassed by the enemy, in order to determine who were proper 
persons to have their State taxes abated, which were then due, and would be 
due, by the 20th of the ne.xt January ; whose names and sums annexed, were 
reported to the General Assembly, which amounted to the sum of £5,010 : 1 :4, 
signed by said committee, and dated at Derby, December 24, 1779, The com- 
mittee's wages, fourteen days, at £9 each per day, is £378 ; expenses of men 
and horses, £237 : 7 : 8 ; which report was accepted and ordered on file. 
78 



614 APPENDIX. 

^jl'.REEAWICII rr.TITION.] 
Jolin Mead and Jabcz Fitcli, of Greenwich, in behalf of the sufferers of said 
Greenwich, wlioso property had been destroyed by the BriliBh, after March, 
A. D. 1779, brought their petition to tlio General Assembly, holdcn at New 
Haven, January, 1783, for reparation of damages. The Assembly appointed 
Philip B. Beardsley and Nehcmiah Boardsley, a committee to examine into the 
the losses of the inhabitants of said town. The committee notified the sufferers, 
and on the 17th day of December, 1782, repaired to Greenwich, consulted with 
the authority and selectmen of the town, upon the subject of their mission, and 
proceeded strictly to examine on oatli, every sufl'erer by the British depredators, 
who cxiiibiled an account, and other evidence. And at the May term of the 
Assembly, in 1787, reported, each sufferer in said Greenwich, with the sum 
they found he had been injured by tho British, annexed to his or her name, 
which amounted in tiie whole, to the sum of jC12,430 : 18 : 7 ; the consideration 
of said report in May, 1787, was referred by the Assembly to the Legislature, 
to be holden at New Haven, October, 1787. 

DANBURY. 

A committee which consisted of Daniel Sherman, Increase Moseley, Nehemiah 
Beardsley, and Lemuel Sanford, Esq'rs., appointed by the General Assembly in 
May, 1777, on a memorial of the selectmen of Danbury, to estimate the dama- 
ges sustained by the inhabitants of said town, by the incursion of the British 
troops : In which they stated, that about twenty dwelling houses, with a number 
of barns, stores, and other buildings, were destroyed ; and that the enemy on 
their retreat, collected and drove away all the cattle, horses, and sheep, &c., 
they could find. The committee were appointed to estimate the damage and 
loss of each sufferer in said town, occasioned by the British, and make their 
report of the same to the Assembly, that the actual losses should be distinctly 
known, and subject to the acts of some future Legislature. The committee re- 
paired to Danbury on the 3d day of June, 1777, after having notified the inhabi- 
tants, and from day to day examined the losses of each sufferer on oath, and by 
other evidence, and allowed to each his damage at the time said property was 
destroyed ; they found that by reason of the price of articles, the inhabitants 
had been obliged to pay large sums over and above the value, in procuring neces- 
saries for their families ; that many of them had their teams forced from them, 
to remove the public stores, &:c. The committee reported to the Assembly the 
name of each sufferer with his loss allowed, annexed to his name, which amount- 
ed to the sum of £16,181 : 1 : 4 — which report was accepted by the Assembly, 
and ordered to be lodged on file, to perpetuate the evidence of the loss of each 
person, that when Congress should order a compensation, to make out the claims 
of sufferers. 

RIDGEFIELD. 

In the year 1777, Increase Moseley, Nehemiah Beardsley, and Lemuel San- 
ford, Esq'rs., were appointed a committee to estimate the losses of the inhabitants 
of Ridgefield, by the incursion of the enemy on their return from Danbury, as 
they passed through said Ridgefield, where they burned several dwelling houses 
and other buildings, killed and took with them many of their cattle, plundered 
their provisions and clothing, &c. The committee repaired to Ridgefield on the 
1st day of December, 1777, (after having notified ?a.\d sufferers,) and held seve- 



APPENDIX. 



615 



val days' session, in esaminincr the accounts of the sufferers on oath, and report- 
ed the names of the sufferers, and the amount of loss sustained by each ; the full 
amount of which was £2,625 : 1 : 8-which report was accepted by the Assem- 
bly, and ordered lodged on file, for the purpose of perpetuating the evidence of 
each person's loss, the more easily to make out their claims, whenever Congress 
should order a compensation to said sufferers. 

FAIRFIELD. 

At a session of the General Assembly, holden at Hartford, January 12, 1778, 
a committee, consisting of Thomas Fitch, Thaddeus Betts, and Lemuel Sanford, 
Esq'rs., were appointed to estimate the damages to each individual in Fairfield, 
by the hostile invasion of the British troops in their route to Danbury, in April, 
1777, and report thereon. The committee notified all the sufferers to meet at the 
dwelling house of Benjamin Wynkoop, in Fairfield, on the 5th day of April, 
1779, and then and there exhibit their accounts of losses sustained by the troops 
as aforesaid; and at said time and place the committee examined and estimated 
the losses of each sufferer in said town ; and reported to the General Assembly, 
holden in May, 1779, the names of each of the sufferers, with the sums allowed, 
annexed to each name, which sums were estimated by the committee at the usual 
and customary prices of such articles in the year 1774 ; which amounted, for all 
sufferers, to the sum of £1,616 : 7 : 10-which report was dated at Fairfield, 
May 8, 1779. The committee examined B. Wynkoop's account of expenses of 
the committee, and his collecting the people at his house, and £29 : 18 : 9 was 
allowed to him by the General Assembly, May Session, 1779. 

At the October session of the General Assembly, 1779, Mr. Chandler, Daniel 
Bennet, and William Hawlcy, Esq'rs, were appointed a committee, on the solici- 
tation of the inhabitants of Fairfield, who had suftered by the conflagration and 
depredations of the enemy in said town, to appraise the losses of each individual. 
The committee reported, that at sundry times they repaired to Fairfield, and the 
sufferers, (by the incursion of the enemy under the command of Gen. Tryon, on 
the 7th and 8th days of July, 1779,) produced their accounts of losses, stated and \ 
f attested, which the committee carefully examined and adjudged, which included 
' both real and personal property, allowed at such prices as conformed to a rule or 
: standard fixed on by the committee, and such property as did not come within 
r their rule, they allowed them at the rate of prices of 1774. The damage to 
buildings was appraised by three carpenters, (employed by said committee,) 
which appraisement was examined and corrected by the committee, and allowed. 
The committee also abated to those sufferers, who had been burned out of their 
own or hired houses, all their State taxes that had been or should be laid on 
their list for 1778— which report contained the following names, as specified 
hereafter, with their accounts as allowed by said committee, and signed by said 
committee. Dated at Fairfield, April 27, 1780. 

Fees— Mr. Chandler, 10 days at 10s. per day, and three journeys to Fairfield, 
£5:18; Daniel Bennett, 7 days at lOs. per day, three journeys at 6s. £4:8; 
William Hawley, 8 days at 10s. per day, three journeys at 6s. £4 : 18. 

GREENWICH, DANBURY, &.C. 
Hon, Andrew Adams, and others, were appointed a committee to consider 
the memorial of the inhabitants of Greenwich, Danbury, and other places, who 



G16 APPENDIX. 

liad siillbred in the vva^JPSstinguisheil losses and damages by the depredations 
and burnings by the Brilisli, and methodically slate the facts, what had been, and 
what still further ought to be or could be done for the relief of said sufferers. 

The chairman of said commiUcc reported, that for want of exhibits and doc- 
uments they were unabio methodically and correctly to state the facts of losses 
and estimate of damages ; and also for the want of proper certificates from the 
Treasurer and Secretary of State, to report what had already been done by the 
State for their relief. But were of opinion that the houses and buildings, and 
necessary household furniture in the frontier towns, (mentioned in the memorial,) 
burned and destroyed by the enemy during the war, ought to be paid for by this 
State, at their just value ; and that the only manner in the power of the State, 
at that time, (viz. 1787,) was to pay the same in Western Lands^-wh'ich report 
was, in October, 1787, accepted by the House, but rejected by the Upper House. 



DAMAGE SUSTAINED IN THE TOWN OF FAIRFIELD. 

Account of the losses sustained in the town of Fairfield by the Britisii, val. 
ucd as in tlie year 1774. 

At Grekn's Farms — The meeting house and bell, £000; llev. Mr. Ripley's 
liouse and b.irn, ilSOO, also clothing, provisions, furniture, &c., ;C114:2:6; 
Nathan Godfrey's liouse, barn, clothing, furniture, and ])rovisions, .£3G2 : 18 ; 
Grummond Morehouse's house, barn, provisions, &c., £80 : 4 :5 ; Doct. Ebe- 
! nezer Jcssup's house, barn, corn house, furniture, provisions, &,c., £421 :2 :G ; 

/ Simon Couch's liouse, burn, provisions, furniture, &c., £2:24 : 12; Widow 

I Eunice Morehouse's house, barn, clothing, furniture, &c., £103: 6; Ebenczer 

I Morehouse's house, barn, and i)rovisions, &c., £122:7:2; George Batterson's 

! liouse, furniture, &lc , £53 :11 ; John Davis' house, furniture, provisions, cloth. 

I intr, &-C., £58 : 16 ; Abraham Andrews' house, barn, store, clothinp:, furniture, 

I &c., £468 : 10 : 5 ; Widow Sarah Andrews' house, barn, clothing, provisions, 

I &c., £156 : 14 ; Jossup Wakeman's house, barn, provisions, clothing, furniture, 

I &c., £194:18; Gideon Morehouse's house, barn, clothing, provisions, furni- 

\ ture, «&c., £73:14; John Morehouse's barn, &:c., £253:19; Moss Kent's 

house, clothing, provisions, and furniture, «fcc., £316:2. 

At the Old Society of Fairfield — Stephen Thorp's house, barn, store. house, 
clothing, provisions, furniture, &,c., £746 : 17 ; Aaron Jennings' store. house, 
clothing, provisions, furniture, i"fcc., £91 : 19 ; Eliphalet Thorp's house, barn, 
store.house, provisions, clothing, furniture, &lc., £039 ; Increase Bradley's 
liouse, store-honsc, provisions, clothing, I'urnilure, «&c., £150; Jonathan Dar- 
rows' house, barn, clothing, and provisions, &c., £306 : 9 ; Samuel Slurges' 
liouse, shop, provisions, furniture, &c., £280:3 :3; James Bulkley, clothing, 
provisions, and furniture, £18 :4 ; Moss Bulkley's house, £40 ; David Beers' 
house, shop, clothing, provisions, and furniturfe, £196 ;3 ; Joseph Beers' house, 
barn, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c., £132 : 12 ; Reuben Beers' Jiouse, 
shop, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c., £530 : 6 ; Nathaniel Fiersons' house, 
clothing, &-e., £D0 ; Samuel Beers' house, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c., 
£141 : 19 : 7 ; Solomon Sturgcs' house, barn, store, clothing, provisions, furni. 
ture, &c., £270 ; David Barlow's house, barn, clothing, provisions, furniture, 
&c, £387 : 12 : 6 ; Jabez Thorp's house, barn, clothing, provisions, furniture, 
&c., £181:13; Samuel Burr's house, barn, shop, furniture, provisions, &c., 



APPENDIX. 



617 



.£761 : 7 : 5 ; Ilezekiah SUirges' house, two barns, a sliop, cloUiitigr, provisions, 
furniture, &c., iJSlQ : 1 : 5 ;• the licirs of Benjamin Osborn, a house, clothing, 
provisions, furniture, &c., i;i86 : 13 : 6 ; Daniel Graham's barn, provisions, 
furniture, clothing, &c., £20; the lieirs of Joseph Sturges, a house, two barns, 
store, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c., £400 ; the heirs of Peter Bulkley, a 
house, barn, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c., £118:17; Ansel Trubee's 
house, furniture, clothing, and provisions, £111 :6; Jonathan Siurges' house, 
barn, storehouse, clothing, provisions, and furniture, £759 : 2 : 6 ; William 
Levcjoy, house of Doct. Forque, £160 ; the widow and iieirs of Seth Osborn, 
two houses, a store, provisions, clothing, and furniture, £553 : 7 :6; Seth Stur^ 
gos' house, barn, furniture, provisions, and clothing, £453 ; Samuel Smedley's i^. 

two houses, barn, shop, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c. £795 ; Stephen. ^/^_^'-'' 
Jenning's house, barn, provisions, furniture, and clothing, £279 ; J)avj^dJ^ii._^^ 
nings' house, shop provisions, furniture, and clothing, £310:10; Widow Eliz- 
abeth Sturges' house, clothing, provisions, and furniture, £100 ; the heirs of 
Andrew Jennings, house clothing, furniture, and provisions, £255:17:6; 
John Smedley's two houses, clothing, provisions, &c. £792 : 18 ; the widow 
and heirs of Gershom Burr, a house, furniture, clothing, provisions, &c., 
£556 :9 : G; Ebenezcr Wakeman's house, furniture, provisions, and clothing, 
£141:17:11; the Episcopal society in Fairfield, a house and barn, £195 ; 
heirs of Col. David Burr, house, barn, &c., clothing, provisions, furniture, &c. 
£427:11:0; Andrew Rowland's house, barn, store, clothing, furniture, and 
provisions, £475 ; Hezekiah Nichols' house, barn, shop, furniture, provisions, 
and clothing, £.i24 : 6 ; Joseph Squire's shop, clothing, provisions, and furniture, 
£424 : 4 : 7 ; Samuel Rowland's house, barn, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c. 
£522:2:2; Widow Cutler's house, £30 ; Wakeman Burr's house, shop, fur- 
niture, clothing, and provisions. £456 : 12 : 11 ; William Dimon's house, shop, 
barn, clothing, furniture, and provisions, £754 : 18 : 11 ; Thomas Hills' house, 
barn! corn-house, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c. £330 ; Doct. John Allen's 
house, two barns, store, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c. £830 ; Jonathan 
Lewis' house, four barns, store, corn-liouse, three out.liouses, clothing, furni- 
ture. provisions, &c. £973: 13 : 6 ; Tl.addeus Burr's house, barn, store, out. 
houses, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c. £1,590 : 19 : 8 ; Widow Ann Dimon's 
house, barn, and two out houses, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c. £386 : 7 : 9 ; 
David Allen's two houses, barn, shop, clothing, provisions, furniture, &,c. 
£551:18:2; Samuel Fenfield's house, barn, shop, out.house, stable, provis- 
ions, furnituie, clothing, &c. £1,120: 10; Jon:ithan Maltbie's house damaged, 
£1 : 10, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c. £47 : 7 ; Doct. Nathaniel Lathrop, 
a house' occupied by William Elliott, £180; Rev. Mr. Elliott, clothing, provis- 
ions, furniture, &c. £365 : 1 : 2 ; Capt. Job Bartram's house, shop, two barns, 
store, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c. £1,210 : 3 : 8 ; Thomas Hanford Wake- 
man's house, barn, furniture, clothing, provisions, &c. £197 : 8 ; Doct. Francis 
Forque, a barn and appendages, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c. £454; 
Widow Abigal Hubbell's house, provisions, furniture, clothing, &c. £214 : 16 : 6 ; 
Maj. Elijah Abel's house, barn, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c. £691 : 2 : 10; 
Stephen Turney's house damaged, two barns, provisions, clothing, furniture, &c. 
£94 : 5 : 10 ; the heirs of Ebenezer Burr, a house damaged, £10 ; Abel Gold, a 
barn, clothing, provisions, furniture, and clothing, £124 ; John Parsott's house, 
provisions, clothes, furniture, kc. £136 :6:6; Eleazer Osborn, Jr's. housci 



(318 APPENDIX. 

clothing, provisions, furnii^p, fcc. ^211 : 9 : 4 ; tlie widow of Col. Gold, house, 
provisions, furniture, clotliing, &c. jC282 : 15 i Edwtird Budington, (property of 
Samuel Squire,) house, £80, clothing, provisions, &c. the property of said Bud- 
ington, <£57 : 8 : 10 ; John Wasson, a house, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c. 
j£220 ; Capt. Ebenezcr Bartram's house, £200 ; Samuel Squire, Jr., clothing, 
provisions, &c. £80 : 18 : 6 ; Abraham Parrot, clothing, provisions, &c. £4 : 11 ; 
Daniel Osborn's house, clothing, furniture, and provisions, .£246 : 15 : 6 ; George 
Allen's house, barn, shop, clothing, provisions, and furniture, i!;31 6 : 9 ; Thomas 
Staples' house, barn, clothing, provisions, and furniture, jC294 : 2 : 2 ; Moses 
Jennings' house, barn, shop, clothing, provisions, &c. ,£697 : 13 : 6; Isaac 
Jennings' house, barn, shop, provisions, furniture, clothing, &c. £409 : 7 : 10 ; 
Peter Burr's house, barn, store, clothing, ])rovisions, furniture, &.c. £377 : : 9 ; 
Anthony Anabel, a house and shop, £60 ; Widow Rebecca Jenning's house, £80, 
barn, £15, clothing, provisions, furiiilnrc, &,c. £47 : 17 ; Peter Hendricks' house, 
clothing, furniture, provisions, &c.«C392; Andrew Wakeman's house, clothing, 
&c. £252 : 18 ; Setli Smith's house, clothing, &c. £56 : 7 ; the Widow Smith's 
bouse, provisions, furniture, &,c. £41:0:6; Joseph Smith, clothing, provis- 
ions, — ; Widow Hannah Taylor's house, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c. 
£!45 : 4 ; Widow Mary PenfieUl's house, barn, clothing, provisions, furniture, 
&c. £135 ; John Turney's two houses, barn, clothing, furniture, provisions, &c. 
jE509:10; Capt. Samuel Squire's house, provisions, clothing, furniture, &c. 
£518:6:4; Jeremiah Jennings' house, provisions, clothing, furniture, &c. 
:e220:8; the gaol and gaoler's houses, £500, clothing, provisions, furniture, 
&c. — ; the county house, £1,000 ; two school houses, £115 ; the meeting 
house, £1,200; the Episcopal church, £500; Nathan Thompson Michols' 
house, £80, shop, £10, clothing, &c. £5 : JO. 

Total — 97 dwelling houses, 67 barns, 48 stores, 2 school houses, 1 county 
house, 2 meeting houses, and 1 Episcopal church. Damage was do!ie to other 
individuals not mentioned aforesaid, to the amount of £1,855 : 3 : 2, by the 
destruction of pcrssonal property, a large share of which was owned by widows 
and other females. 



[depositions.] 

The testimony of Eunice Burr, wife of Thaddeus Burr, Esq., respecting the 
proceedings of the enemy at Fairfield, on the 7th and 8th days of July, 1779, is 
as follows : — On Wednesday morning, 7ih of July, 1779, between 9 and 10 
o'clock, some friends came in and told me that they believed that the enemy's 
shipping were standing in, and that it was their opinion that the enemy would 
land. Being formerly well acquainted with a number of the British officers, and 
ever finding them of a polite, humane disposition, and observing the good order 
they kept up among their soldiers, I was induced, once to act against all the 
entreaties of my friends, and risk my life, and all that was dear to me, in hopes 
to save an ancient, pleasant mansion house, with its valuable furniture and 
stores. This I was the more willing to undertake, as I had been told, " that if 
people would stay in their own houses (they) the enemy would not molest them, 
and their property would be safe." By the time the main body of the enemy 
liad got up to the court house ; instead of the once humane and polite Britons, 
a pack of the most barbarous ruffians came rushing into the house, and repeat, 
edly accosted nie with. You damn'd rebel, where is your husband, he is a select, 
man ; at the same time stripping me of my buckles, tearing down the curtains of 



APPENDIX. 



619 



my bed. breaking Iho frame of my dressing glass, pulling out llie drawers of my 
table and desk ; and atier taking what they could find, llioy then went up stairs, 
and proceeded much in tiie same manner- At this juncture, there came in an 
officer, who, I suppose was a captain, and demanded tlio arms; those which I 
knew of, were produced, and he immediately ordered them out of the house; 
upon my representation of the conduct of the ruffians towards me, he ordered 
them out of the house. No sooner were one set out, but another came in, calling 
for cider, breaking down the china, stone, and glass ware in the closets, and 
•wherever they found it. In the midst of this confusion, Gen. Tryon came into 
the house ; he behaved with politeness ; he demanded the papers. I told him 
there were none but of very old dates, which related to the old estates. The 
general said, those are what we want, for we intend to have the estates. Upon 
which he ordered an officer to take them to the court house. Very soon after he 
had taken leave of me, there came in a set, more dreadful than the ruffians who 
first attacked me ; these being informed, or suspicious, that I was possessed of a 
watch, attempted to search me ; I drew back to the yard, the only shelter that I 
had, and there committed myself to God, whose protection and mercy is beyond 
the reach of such cruel monsters. They, however, were permitted to pursue me, 
throw me upon the ground, and search me, pulling and tearing my clothes from 
me in a most barbarous manner ; no enfteaties or persuasions, prevailing upon 
them to desist. Heaven directed the steps of the before mentioned captain to 
the gate, who perceiving the horrid situation that I was in, ran to my relief, and 
drove the ruffians from the yard. Soon after this, Gen. Tryon, with Mr. Thomas 
Chapman, of Stratford, who is said to be a captain in the new levies, called in. 
Mr. Chapman made himself known to me ; upon which, I reminded him of his 
often waiting upon a more soft and delicate set of company to the house, than 
those I had been visited with in the course of the day. I asked him if he could 
have a heart to burn the house where he had spent so many agreeable hours. 
Upon which, he assured me, he would do every thing in his power to save the 
building. Gen. Tryon, upon hearing the said captain relate the situation he 
found me in, was kind enough to order two sentries at the house, which caused 
me a more quiet night than I feared ; though horror and distress were my con- 
stant companions, a great part of the town being then in flames. Just before the 
sun rose, Capt. Chapman came to me very politely, and told me that Gen- 
Tryon wanted to speak to me. I immediately waited on him ; he told me that 
through the entreaties of Mr. Sayer, and some other friends, and knowing 
my situation, he should spare my buildings, Mr. Elliot's, the church, and meeting 
' house ; that he did not like destroying those buildings. I told him, I was obliged 
• to him for the favor, and felt as happy to have those buildings saved, as my own, 
and that I thought he would do himself honor. He asked for pen, ink, and paper. 
I very readily procured them ; he then, unasked, and unsolicited by me, gave me 
■ a protection for my house and property, and the Rev. Mr. Elliot's, written with 
his^wn hand, and signed with his own name. Thus deluded with a false hope, 
after the fatigue of the day, night, and more dreadful morning, when every build- 
ing around me, was on fire ; and some of my poor neighbors, whose habitations 
were in flames, had run into my house for shelter, instead of attempting to carry 
out and secure what was in the house ; our whole attention was taken up in sup- 
plying the house with water, and although they were almost buried in flames, 
neither the barn or house took fire. The pleasure and satisfaction I felt for a 
few minutes, in thinking that I had a shelter for myself and some of ray distressed 



620 APPENDIX. 

friends, was great ; but ^/B- liow soon was it over. No sooner Iiad the horn 
blow, I suppose for the wliole to retreat, my sentries went oft", and a band of 
those savage creatures were left as a rear guard to complete the destruction ; 
some of whom, -unperceived by me, came into the house. I lieard a most 
dreadful screaching in one of the rooms; upon which I ran to it, and to my 
great surprise, found some of tliose monsters abusing an aged lady, one of my 
neighbors, by pulling off her cap and tearing her liair from her head. Her 
daughter, who had fled for protection, fared but little better. Seeing a number 
more of them come into the gate, I once more took courage, went out and 
entreated them to spare the house ; told them that I had Gen. Tryon's protection 
in writing ; upon which they damned the general and protection, and tore it 
from me, while a number went into the house to set fire to it ; two or three 
others come to search me ; they took my pocket book and buttons, which till 
then, I had preserved. Fearing that I should be insulted, as I had been before, 
I disengaged my pocket and fled into tiie meadow. The house, with every thing 
they had left, both furniture and stores, were consumed. Much more might be 
told both of ofiicers and soldiers, which would bring disgrace upon the once 
humane, but now savage Britons ; but it would make this narrative too lengthy. 
One more instance of their cruelty, I must not fail to relate. On a base suspi- 
cion, that a gun was fired from a window, by an aged negro of my neighbor 
Lewis, they first shot him, then bayoneted him as my sentry, wiio was one of 
the number, told me, and left his body to be consumed by the flames, which 
were immediately kindled in the dwelling house. 

Should this narration fall into the hands of any of those officers, who afforded 
me assistance, in those hours of horror and distress, they have my sincere 
thanks for it. 

Sworn at Fairfield, August 2, 1779, before Samuel Squire, Justice of Peace, 

Testimony of Jane Bulkley, the wife of Andrew Bulkley, is as follows, viz. : 
That when the enemy entered the town of Fairfield, ihat part of the army 
under Gen. Garth, were stationed in the westerly part of the town, and a num. 
ber of oflScers and men came to my house, and received such refresiiments as 
they required ; and said that persons who stayed in their houses, should be 
safe in person and property ; and at their request, I went and milked my cow, 
and gave them the milk ; whereupon, the cow was led away by them, and 
killed. My house was fired five times, and I extinguished it. The men were 
at full liberty, and behaved with great licentiousness. I heard a number of 
under officers at my door, say, that before morning, every house would be laid in 
ashes; that we should not fare so well as New Haven. They plundered my 
house, stripped my buckles out of my shoes, and abused me with insulting 
language. Their ofiicers had not, or did not exercise command over them, so 
as in the least to restrain them ; they continued burning houses and barns'the 
whole night. I had a protection from Garth, by word, and he ordered a guard 
for me ; but it served only to save my property until day light, and then my 
house was plundered, and attempted to bo burned. The latter part of the night, 
the soldiers appeared in drink, tiiey plundered a plenty of spiritous liquors. 

JANE BULKLEY. 

July 24, 1779. Sworn before Andrew Rowland, Justice of Peace. 



APPENDIX. 621 

The testimony of Mary Beers, wife of Reuben Beers : — That about 1 o'clock, 
succeeding the 7th inst., a picquet of Hessians, in Gen. Garth's division, broke 
into our house, and thereupon I came out of the cellar, with two small chiklrea 
and a negro child ; and on opening the cellar door, they cried out, kill her, kill 
her, and came at me with a number of fixed bayonets. I begged and entreated, 
implored and prayed to spare my life, and ran backdown cellar, and opened the 
out cellar door, and went into the door-yard with the three children ; and 1 
found there a number of the enemy with an officer. I expostulated with them; 
I told the officer, that my husband was sick, and had not been out for two days; 
that he was a sick man and in bed ; when they came to tlie house, that ho was 
not in arms, and begged for his life and property. Whereupon the captain 
said, ho was not killed, but was a prisoner. Whereupon I applied to the gen- 
era], as I supposed, who was a Hessian cailed ; I asked protection for myself, 
children, and property, and release of my husband. The Hessian general and 
a colonel said, my husband should be well used : that my person, property, 
children and house should be safe; but said he, (the general laying his hand 
on the head of my little babe,) poor cliild, I pity you, I cannot spare your 
house, it must bo burnt. Thereupon up came the officer of those who first broke 
into the house, and he said, " go, woman, in haste, you may perhaps put the fire 
out of your house;" and I went protected by a guard, who behaved decently ; 
and I found my house effectually plundered of linen by them, and great destruc- 
tion of moveables in the house, and I extinguislied the fire. Whereupon I 
went to the house of David Beers, who to my knowledge was in peace at home 
with his wife and family, and they entered the said house with violence, and 
took Mr. Beers a prisoner, and plundered his house, and pretended that he had 
fired out of his house, but it was groundless; and in the morning, without dis. 
tinction, they burnt his house and shop, and all moveables in them. Their be- 
havior was like distracted or mad men, and pretended, many of them, not to 
speak English. MARY BEERS. 

The aforesaid deposition, confirmed by Reuben Beers, and both sworn at 
Fairfield, 24th July, 1779, before Andrew Rowland, Justice of the Peace. 

The testimony of Isabella Trubee, wife of Ansel Trubee, of Fairfield, is as 
follows, viz. :— That when the enemy, on the night of the 7lh of July, 1779, 
came to the westerly end of the town, (of Fairfield) they appeared to be gener- 
ally, Hessians ; and I concealed myself with two children in the cellar, under 
the dwelling house of uncle David Beers, and there continued until the enemy 
set fire to the house. Mr. Beers, aforesaid, was at home, with his wife and 
daughter, and some grand children, in peace and about his lawful business ; 
they seized him, and made him prisoner. My aunt, his wife, told them ho was 
unarmed, and had not shot a gun, she supposed, within 30 years ; and there, 
upon, they set fire to the house and burnt it down, and also his shop and all 
therein. About this time, my father, Mr. Joseph Beers, came a few rods out of 
his house, where he had been all the day, in peace with my mother, and he was 
taken by the Hessians, and remains in captivity, and his house and barn was 
burnt, and property destroyed. Mr. David Beers has since returned, and says, 
ho was released at their embarkation. 

her 
ISABELLA X TRUBEE. 
mark. 

Sworn at Fairfield, July 23, 1779, before Andrew Rowland, Justice of Peace. 
79 



622 APPENDIX. 

Tlie testimony of Rua^^fcoberson, of lawful age, and wife of John Robeison, 
of Fairfield, is as follows, viz. : — When the enemy, on the evening of the 7th 
inst^., first came into the west end of this town, I soon left my house and went 
to a neighbor's, which I heard was guarded, and there I found the general and 
a great number of officers ; and one Mrs. Beardsley, who belonged to the house 
was there, and pregnant, and appeared to be in travail. All the officers appeared 
disposed to treat her and her assistants with decency ; and in the course of the 
night, I often heard the officers and general say, there should not bo left a house 
or barn standing in the town, by, or in the morning. Tliere were but few 
soldiers in the house, and they employed in waiting on tables ; and they spared 
that dwelling house on account of Mrs. Beardsley, who was supposed to be in 
labor. They said the commissioners made offi^rs of peace, and the Americans 
refused to accept them, and that their orders were to burn all, and I understood 
the orders were from England. They said they would burn the church, for 
that it was not the church of England, nor had it been since the war, for the 
professors did not comply with the articles of the church of England. The 
Hessians appeared active in plundering and burning, and seemed not to under- 
stand English. 'Twas at sundry houses where they came and plundered, and 
they gave to understand they pursued orders. And further saith not. 

RUANA ROBERSON. 

Fairfield, July. 22, 1779. Sworn before Andrew Rowland, Justice of Peace. 

The testimony of Abigail Bulkley, wife of Josiah Bulkley, of lawful age, is 
as follows, viz. : — That the enemy, on their coming to the westendof the town, 
on the night of the 7th inst., they enquired after my husband. I told them ha 
was out of the town, and was not under arms ; however, they plundered my 
house of almost all the moveables in it. I went with Mrs. Beardsley, who was 
supposed to be in travail, and the officers then behaved decently to me, and by 
the aid and assistance of one of them, I saved my house, and some trifle of 
furniture from the flames. It appeared to me there were a number of Hessians 
at liberty to act without restraint. And further deponent saith not. 

her 
ABIGAIL X! BULKLEY. 
mark. 

Fairfield, July 23, 1779. Sworn before Andrew Rowland, Justice of Peace. 

The testimony of Ann Nichols, of lawful ago, and wife to Hezekiah Nichols, 
of Fairfield, is as follows, viz.: — That when the troops under the command of 
Gen, Tryon, came into Fairfield, I was peaceably at home; and thereupon, one 
of the soldiers came to me and with strong hand, robbed me of the buckles out 
of my shoes; and in the course of the night, I was often treated with extrava- 
gant, insulting, and abusive language, and threatening at my own house. I told 
them my husband was from home, bu< it availed nothing; and in the course of 
the night, the soldiers appeared to have full liberty, and many came in parties, 
at different hours, and destroyed almost every thing of furniture ; and in the 
morning burnt down the house and barn. Whereupon I saw Gen. Tryon, who 
appeared to be exceeding angry at something, I know not what; and I heard 
him tell a person, that he would not spare one house more than another. One 
Thomas Chapman, formerly of Stratford, a tory, was called a captain, and ap- 
peared to be a principal hand in burning. I escaped from the conflagration of 



APPEiNDIX. 



623 



tlio town, in the morning, and concealed myself in a wet ditch and miry swamp. 
The soldiers, generally, appeared to be in a great panic through the night, and 
exceedingly afraid that the rebels, as they called us, would be upon them in the 
morning early. ANN NICHOLS. 

Fairfield, July 21, 1779. Sworn before Andrew Rowland, Justice of Peace. 

COL. SAMUEL V/HITING'S ANSWER TO THE BRITISH FLAG. 

Connecticut having nobly dared to take up arms against the cruel despotism 
of Britain, and as the flames, have now preceded the answer to your flag, they 
will persist to oppose to their utmost, that power exerted against injured 
innocence. 

SAMUEL WHITING, Colonel Commanding. 

To Maj. Gen. Tryon. 

Dated Fairfield, 7th July, 1779. 

CHURCH RECORD OF FAIRFIELD. 

The following is a copy of the Church Record in tiio town of Fairfield, made 
at the time Fairfield was burnt by the British, in 1779, by the Rev. Andrew 
Elliot, who was the Pastor of the Congregational Church at that time, and 
forwarded for publication by the Rev. Lyman H. Atwater, the present Pastor. 
"1779, JULY 7. 
" A part of the British enemy, consisting of Britons, Germans, and American 
"refugees, under the command of Maj. Gen. Tryon and Brig. Gen. Garth, 
" landed in this town from a fleet, commanded by Sir George Collier. 

" In the evening and night of the same day, great part of the buildings in tho 
" town plot were consumed in the flames by said troops. 

"July 8lh. In the morning the Meeting House, together with the Church of 
" England buildings, the Court House, Prison, and almost all the principal 
♦' buildings in the Society, were laid in ashes. 

" Our holy and our beautiful house 

" Where our fathers praised thee, is 

" Burnt up with fire : and all our 

" Pleasant things are laid waste. 

" The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken 

" Away : Blessed be the name of the Lord. 

" All things work together for good to them 

" That love God — to them who are the 

" Called according to his purpose. 

" Alleluia. 
" The Lord God Omnipotent reigneth. 

— " Amen." — 

[Note. The Rev. Andrew Elliot's Letter is published in the Massachusetts 

Historical Collections, and is therefore omitted in this work.] 



A PETITION TO GOVERNOR TRUMBULL FROM THE INHABI- 
TANTS OF NORWALK. 

Te His Excellency Jonathan Trumbull, Esq., Governor and Commander-in- 
Chief in and over the State of Connecticut ; comes the civil authority and select, 
men of the town of Norwalk, in behalf of themselves and the rest of the inhab. 



624 APPENDIX. 

itants of said Nor walk, and^Rh submission beg leave to represent to your Ex- 
cellency, that numbers of tlie soldiers in Col. Sheldon's regiment of light-horso 
belonging to the continental army, and others, frequently come into the parish of 
Canaan and other back parts in said Norwalk, and by force and violence enter 
the inhabitants' barns, and at will and pleasure, with the same force, take their 
oats and carry them off, and in some instances thresh oats and destroy and 
make much waste ; and also take such kinds of grain and stover as they think 
proper, and carry it away without ever applying to any authority, or shewing any 
power or authority to do the same, and against the mind and will of the inhabi- 
tants and without their consent ; and also in many instances strip the inhabitants 
to such a degree of their oats, that if it is not prevented there will not be a suffi- 
ciency of oats left in the town for seed next year ; and the inhabitants are appre- 
hensive that they will next attack their Indian corn, and then their wheat, as tho 
light-horsemen in some instances in some of the back places have taken the peoples' 
wheat to feed their horses ; and that if they should be suffered to conduct in that 
sort, the people arc apprehensive they shall be put to great straights and difficul- 
ties for want of the necessary articles of bread-corn. And that these light-horse- 
men come armed and with such force, that the inhabitants cannot prevent them 
from taking their substance, without taking up arms, and in that way defend 
their property, which method they would by all means avoid, in hopes that their 
property may be secured to them without taking such desperate methods ; and 
that as there does not seem to be any rule given by law upon an application for 
a press warrant in such cases, we would beg leave humbly to propose to your 
Excellency, whether it is not necessary at this time, and the property of the 
people more secure, to have some rules and laws made respecting these matters. 
And that there has been one instance this week wherein one of the inhabitants 
took out a writ against one or two of the light-horsemen for threatening his life, 
and of burning his dwelling house and barn, for refusing to let them take his 
oats ; and that one of said light-horsemen was taken with said writ soon after, 
while Capt. Stoddard came into the town with a number of his men and rescued 
him out of the hands of the officer and carried him off, and the complainant and 
his son ; which we imagine and are fearful will ever be the case, and the people 
distressed, if it is not prevented ; all which is humbly submitted, by your Excel- 
lency's most obedient humble servants. 

Norwalk, 1778. 
(Signed) 

Thaddeus Betts, Charles Raymond, Justices of the Peace ; Jesse Raymond, 
Nehemiah Benedict, Nathaniel Benedict, David Comstock, Daniel Betts, Se- 
lectmen. 

PETITION OF JOHN LOCKWOOD AND OTHERS OF NORWALK. 

It appears by a petition of John Lockwood, and 37 others, of Norwalk, to 
the General Assembly, in December, 1780, tbat in July, 1779, all the subscribers 
were burned out of house and home, and stripped and plundered by the British, 
of nearly all their household furniture ; their barns also destroyed by fire, with 
the greater part of their wheat harvest and English hay, to the very great dis- 
tress and impoverishment of the inhabitants. 

Representations had before been made to the Assembly of the distress and 
losses, to which the Legislature had listened in tenderness, and granted the relief 



APPENDIX. 625 

of the abatement of the State tax on list 1778, for which the sufferers in the con- 
flagration, tendered them their unfeigned thanks. 

Many of the suffering farmers had not sufficient wheat to support their famihcs 
until the next harvest, though they would have had large quantities to have sup- 
plied others, had it not been destroyed. So many buildings were burnt, that it 
was impossible to rent houses, so as to be comfortably located to use their farms ; 
and many of them were obliged to build small houses, and disposed of all they 
could spare, to re-settle upon their farms, and most of them left in debt, and 
obliged to live without barns to preserve their grain, because they were unable 
to build them ; and many who had built their houses were unable to finish them, 
and lived in them through the following winter, cold and half finished, for want 
of money and materials for building, while labor was exceedingly high, and it . 
appeared to many of them as if it was impossible ever to settle themselves again 
in any tolerable manner. In addition to the burden of building, they were des- 
titute of the necessary utensils for keeping house ; town, state, and society taxes 
to pay ; taxes for re-building public buildings that were burnt ; the provision tax 
then lately laid ; the expense of raising soldiers from time to time to fill the conti- 
nental army : In all which, with their misfortunes, they were obliged to suffer 
with their neighbors, which appeared insupportable to many of the sufferers, in 
their then distressed situation ; and yet declared they would exert themselves in 
assisting to discharge all public demands, as far as possible, willingly and cheer- 
fully, and only regretted that they were not of the same ability to do, as they 
had been before they had been burnt out. 

The memorialists closed by asking the Assembly to abate their State taxes, laid 
on list 1779 and 1780. 

[Col. Benjamin Hinman, Nehemiah Beardsley, and William Heron were ap- 
pointed a committee to go to Norwalk, to examine and report to the Assembly.] 
Sard committee reported in May, 1781, that the State tax of 123 persons in said 
Norwalk, on list of 1779; and that said tax, on list 1780, on 119 persons in 
said town, should be abated — which was accepted. 

DEPOSITION OF CAPT. STEPHEN BETTS. 

Norwalk, July 26, 1779. 
Capt. Stephen Betts, of Col. Butler's regiment, in the continental service, per- , ■, 

sonally appeared and made solemn oath— That on the 11th inst., while the T -\ 
enemy invaded Norwalk, he, with about 50 continental troops, and some militia, t 
engaged a superior number of the enemy, which obliged them to give way to an 
unequal force. As they retreated, John Waters, a continental soldier fell into the 
enemy's hands, delivered up his arms, and begged for his life ; but the enemy not- 
withstanding, assaulted him with their bayonets, with which they stabbed him in 
sundry places, and then one of them presented his peice, and aimed (as the cap- 
tive supposed) at his body, but missing that, the ball sliattered his arm ; where- 
upon finding no quarters, he made a strong effort to escape, which he happily 
effected. Soon after the above accident, John Rich, another continental soldier, 
was shot so as to fall, and as the enemy were nigh, and crowded fast on over our 
people, he desired Capt. Betts to leave him, as they could not take him off with- 
out the greatest hazard. Capt. Betts saw Rich no more, but says Capt. Eclls, of 
Col. Wyllys' regiment, told him, he saw Rich after the enemy had retreated 



626 APPENDIX. 

about two hours after CaJ^Bctts saw him ; he was then dead, and tlie top of liis 
skull torn off, supposed to be blown off'by a musket to despatch him. And further 
saith not, before me. Thaddeus Betts, Justice of the Peace. 

LETTER FROM SAMUEL C. SILLIMAN, ESQ., TO COL. ST. JOHN. 

It appears by a letter from Samuel C. Silliman, Esq., of Norwalk, dated 1778, 
to Col. St. John, then a member of the General Assembly, that Col. St. John 
issued a writ in favor of a Mr. Comstock, against two of Sheldon's light horse- 
men, taken by constable Lockwood, for taking property not their own, who were 
taken before said Silliman for trial ; but before the trial had began, the captain of 
the two light horsemen, (i. e. Capt. Stoddard of Col. Sheldon's regiment) came 
in, in great fury, with a party of his light horsemen, all armed, and their swords 
drawn, and pointed at the breasts of tiio court and by-standers, and wrested the 
offenders from them, and defied the authority ; laid violent hands on Mr. Com- 
stock the prosecutor, and dragged him from the house. The court, when attempt- 
ing to quell the riot, was accosted by one of said light horsemen, with his sword 
pointed at the breast of the court, swore he would run him through, if he offered 
the least resistance. They then forced Mr. Comstock and one of his sons, on to 
horses and carried them off, and swore they would take them to their quarters 
and keep them under guard. They drove them two or three miles, constantly 
threatening them, in the most abusive language, and then dismissed them. 



REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON DAMAGES SUSTAINED IN WEST 
HAVEN BY THE INCURSION OF THE BRITISH. 

It was represented to the Legislature, held at Hartford, January 10, 1782, 
that on the 30lh day of August, 1781, a party of British troops and refugees, 
made an incursion into tiie parish of West Haven, in New Haven, and destroyed 
much of the property of the inhabitants. Whereupon, the Assembly appointed 
Gen. Andrew Ward, Col. Edward Russel, and Gideon Buckingham, a commit- 
tee to estimate the losses of each individual, by the enemy, and abate such part 
of the State taxes of said sufferers as said committee should judge proper, and 
report thereon to the next session of said Assembly. The committee met at West 
Haven on the 13lh day of March, 1782, and examined the sufferers on oath, and 
reported to the Assembly each sufferer in said parish, and the amount of loss 
found by tiiem annexed to his name, together with a list of names of such as 
should be abated on said taxes, to the amount of £30: 15:2, together with 
£3G5 : 18 : 6, allowed the sufferers in said parish ; which report was accepted 
by the Assembly, and ordered to be lodged on file, with liberty of a bill to make 
said abatement. 

May, 1787. 

At the General Assembly holden in May, 1787, the sufferers in different 
parts of the State united in a petition to the Assembly, for remuneration ; in 
which they stated, they had twice before petitioned the Assembly, and had re- 
ceived no answer ; which petition was signed by Daniel Taylor for the suffer- 
ers in Danbury; Thomas Fitch for those in Norwalk; Jonathan Sturges for 
Fairfield ; John Mead for Greenwich ; Ebenezer Ledyard for Groton ; John 
Deshon for New London ; Charles Cnauncey for New Haven ; Philip B. Bradley 
for Ridgefield ; and Andrew Ward and Daniel Leete for the sufferers of Guilford ; 
which petition was continued to the next General Assembly. 



APPENDIX. 



627 



LANDS GIVEN THE SUFFERERS. FOR LOSSES SUSTAINED 
DURING THE WAR. 

Upon a memorial in 1791, of the inhabitants of the towns of Fairfield and 
Norwalk, in Fairfield county, the great losses occasioned by the devastations of 
the British during the war, were shewn to the General Assembly ; on which 
they prayed for remuneration from the State. A committee wa? appointed by 
the Legislature, in May, 1791, to ascertain from documents in the public 
offices, the losses, not only of the memorialists, but of others who had been 
sufferers under similar circumstances, that had been estimated in conformity to 
previous acts of the Assembly, such as had been occasioned by incursions of 
the enemy during the war. The Assembly, therefore, in May, 1792, by a reso- 
lution, released and quit-claimed, to the suflferers, named on the State record, or 
to their legal representatives, if deceased, and to their heirs and assigns forever, 
500,000 acres of land, owned by Connecticut, situated west of Pennsylvania, 
bounded north on lake Erie, beginning at the west line of said lands, and ex- 
tending eastward to a line running northerly and southerly parallel to the east 
line of said tract of land owned by this State, and extending the whole width of 
said lands, and easterly so far ag to comprise said quantity of 500,000 acres, 
(exclusive of former grants to sufferers, if any) to be divided among said suffer- 
ers and their legal representatives, in proportion to the several sums annexed to 
their names on record, (which land is located in Huron county, in the State of 

Ohio.) 

The following sums were allowed to the sufferers in the several towns here, 
afler named, viz. :-Sufferers in Greenwich, £12,291 : 14 : Oi ; sufferers in Nor. 
walk, i;26,066 : : 1 ; sufferers in Fairfield, i;23,893 : 12 : 8. 

Additional losses sustained by several inhabitants of Fairfield, in tho enemy's 
expedition to Danbury, viz. :-;ei,436 : 10 : 11 ; in Danbury, i;8,303 : 17 : lOi ; 
in New Haven and East Haven, £16,912 : 16 : 6 ; in New London, £42,062 : 13 : 7; 
in Ridgefield, £1,730 : 1 : 10. 

The sums advanced to Ridgefield by grants of the Assembly, were deducted, 
and the net balances allowed. 

To sufferers in Groton, £7,719 : 12 : 2. 

Whole amount of losses allowed to the sufferers by the grant of said lands, 
being £251,606: 8: 8i. 

GALLANT CONDUCT OF CAPT. HILLYER. 

In 1779, one Bearmore, a famous cow boy chief or tory, was eminently sue 
cessful in plundering and committing depredations on his countrymen about the 
lines, and as a spy for the British troops in that vicinity. 

Captain Andrew Hillyer, (late Col. Hillyer, of Granby, Conn.) was then sta. 
tioned at Horse Neck, with his troop of light horse, and was ordered to " beat 
up" Bearmore's quarters, and if possible make him prisoner. Accordingly Capt. 
Hillyer mustered his troop in the evening, and marched in the night, with all 
caution to Bearmore's rendezvous ; but he in some way was alarmed, and leaped 
from his bed, through a window, naked, escaped in the darkness of the night, 
leaving his clothes, sword, and some plunder, in the hands of the continentals. 
The troop then being in the vicinity of the enemy, it became necessary they 
should make a hasty march for their own quarters, which they did, keeping out 
scouts in all directions, to avoid surprise. About day break, the troop overtook 



628 APPENDIX. 

a company of infantry, ^phboring about 50 men, commanded by Capt. White, 
who had been out tluough the night on some special service. At this moment, 
two scouts that had covered the rear of the light horse, came dashing in among 
them, one of which, was covered with blood, his hand hanging by the skin, 
having been lopped oiF at the wrist by a British dragoon ; and reported that a 
squadron of British cavalry were close upon them. Capt. White exclaimed, I 
am lost, my infantry cannot escape. Capt. Ililiyer said no, that must not be ; 
follow my directions, we will make a stand, and fare alike ; divide your men 
and throw them over the stone wall on each side of the road, in a quartering 
direction, that the fire of one party may not injure the other ; bo deliberate, and 
when you have the word '« charge," do what you can. 

The light horse were formed across the road, out of the fire of the infantry, 
and displayed as largo a front as their numbers would warrant. The arrange- 
ment was barely completed, when the Britisli cavalry in large force, was discov- 
ered sweeping along with great speed, apparently intending to ride down tho 
small troop of continentals, who, with swords loosened, and pistols cocked, 
were drawn up to receive them. 

When tho British had reached the mark, about four rods from the light horse, 
and against the spot where the infantry were posted, and who had not been 
discovered, Capt. Hillyer gave the signal " charge them, my lads." The troopers 
discharged their pistols, drew their swords, and spurred against the enemy ; at 
the same time, the infantry rose from behind the wall and poured in such a 
deadly and well directed fire, that a considerable number of the enemy were 
killed, while the ranks of the light horso were much embarrassed by the rush of 
horses, without riders, among them. The British were completely surprised, 
and immediately faced about and retired beyond tho reach of the infantry, when 
they again formed, and advanced to the attack, but before they were within 
reach of shot, the infantry could not be restrained, and commenced firing. 
The British then wheeled, and retreated in good order ; the light horse highly 
excited, urged their commander to allow them to follow and cut the red coats 
in pieces. 

The Americans kept their ground until the British had crossed Byram river. 
Capt. White then made for the woods. The light horse, after securing what 
was valuable on the field, and the horses that had lost their riders, with all speed 
made their own head quarters. The plunder taken from Bearmore and tho 
British on that occasion, was sold for more than $20,000 continental money. 
Capt. Hillyer was presented with a beautiful Yager's Rifle, as testimony of his 
gallant conduct. 

Bearmore soon after tf ceived his deserts ; while robbing a dwelling house, in 
Bloomsbury, New Jersey, he attempted to take a string of gold beads from tho 
neck of a lady, (Mrs. Eunice Die,) who had at her side, a pair of long, sharp 
pointed scissors, which she plunged into his body, and killed him instantly. 



THE END. 



INDEX 



A Pasfe. 

Abbot, John 154 

Abljot, Col, Samijel 228, 266, 279. 357, 
!■• -^- - ~^0\ 469,485 

Abbot, Joseph 266 

Abel, Joseph 415 

Abel, Maj. Elijah 278, 489 

Abel, Rufus B. (pay master) 446 

Adams, Andrew 199, 241, 276, 290, 
295,447,506,615 
Adams, Dr. David 531 

Address by the Gen. Assembly to 

the people of Connecticut 290 

Admiral Keppel, ship 437 

Alarm List 231, 286 

Alden, John 436 

Alden, Roger 432, 436 

Alden, Judah 408 

Alfred, ship of war 511 

Alien, Col. Ethan 30,33, 90, 122, 141, 
142, 546, 571, 584 
Allen, Levi 242 

Allen, Heman 302 

Allen, Thomas 430 

Allen, Ethan's reception in Ireland 575 
Allyn, Henry 182, 192 

Ailing, Charles 612 

Amazon, frigate 123, 124 

American revenue ship 122 

America, sloop-of-war 420, 511 

American flag altered 114 

Anchors 353 

Andre, Maj. 144 

Anna, prize ship 437, 580, 581 

Annabella, do. 598 

Antelope, do. 495 

Armorers 183 

Arms prohibited by the King 36 

Arms. &c.. furnished by Connecticut, 
165, 173, 174, 187, 188, 190, 211, 
213, 217, 222, 223, 228, 229, 237, 
239,240,242, 249. 253, 263, 291, 
292, 293, 294, 299, 302, 329, 342, 
345, 348, 352, 358, 359, 369, 409 
Arnold, Moses 129 

Arnold, James 223, 276 

Arnold, Gen. 91, 115—117, 121, 123, 
131, 166, 511 
Articles of war 274 

80 



Page. 

Artillery 209, 258, 260, 267, 283, 300, 

312,365,369, 370, 412, 413, 418, 

419,421,431,446—448, 469, 489, 

494, 498, 518, 520, 526—528, 532, 

533 

Ashford, town of 14, 23, 78, 155, 277 

Atwater, J. 350 

Atwater, Dr. 440 

Atwater, Dr. David 127 

Atwater, Jeremiah 218 

Atwell, Capt. 512 

Auditors of accounts 216 

Austin, David 350 

Avery, John, Jr. 264 

B 
Babbage 356, 564, 570 

Babcock, Adam 31, 199, 218, 281, 350, 
358, 359, 391, 437, 449, 465 
Babcock, Gamaliel 400, 454, 456 

Backus, Nathaniel . 464 

Backus, Capt. Elijah 353, 395, 416, 430, 
431,440 
Backus, Maj. Ebenezer 230, 268, 386 
Bacon, Capt. Abner 433 

Badger, Edmund 357, 380, 393 

Baldwin, Caleb 295, 301, 570 

Baldwin, Jonathan 215 

Barber, David 510 

Barrack masters 298 

Barkhamsted, town of 9 

Barnard, Ebeftezer, Jr. 455 

Barnes, John 498 

Bartrara, Ebenezer 500 

Barrett, James 541 

Barrett, Nathan 441 

Baylor, George 49 

Beach, Joseph 524 

Beach, Timothy 303 

Beardsley, Nehemiah 278, 279 

Beebe, Samuel 124 

Bebee, Bezaleel 166, 187, 314, 488, 489 
Beedle, John 394 

Beers, Mary 621 

Beers, Isaac 469, 611 

Beers, Elias 611 

Beever, Col. Samuel 509 

Belding, Benjamin 267 

Belding, Thomas 149, 159, 163, 184 



6;30 



hNDEX. 



Keldiiig, Col. ^ 427 

Benedict, Thaddeu;* 282 

Benedict, Capt. Noble 137 

Benedict, Eli 138, 140 

Bennington battle 112, 129 

Bethel 115 

Betts, Stephen 625 

Belts, Thaddeus 316 

Bidlock, Capt. James 150, 132, 156 
Bidwell, Thomas 214, 2'29, 242, 288, 

411, 448, 449 
B^gelow, Maj. John 127, 184, 295, 361, 
408, 527, 533 
Bill, Ensign 46 

Bill, Solomon 304 

Bill, Ephraim 249, 331, 348, 354, 362, 
388, 389, 397, 398, 405, 420, 443, 

45G, 472, 477 
Billings, Capt. Henry 127, 381, 409 
Bills of other States not received 269 
Bills made a tender 232, 269 

Bills called in 510 

Bills of credit issued 22.24,99, 170, l72, 
173, 183, 188, 209, 210,215,220, 
229, 253, 261, 269, 291,295,306, 
309, 311, 313, 349, 351, 589 
Bingham, Ozias 218 

Bingham, Lieut. 46 

Bingham, Ithainar 445 

Bingham, Nathaniel 484 

Biography of Gov. Trumbull 319, 320 
Biography of Gen. Parsons 141, 142, 
Bishop, Samuel, Jr. 31, 193, 198, 216, 
280, 295, 469 
Bissell, Josiah 241 

Bissell, Hezekiah 169 

Black Point 49, 92 

Black act of Parliament 38 

Black Rock 126, 242 

Blankets to be imported 291 

Blodget, Paul 267 

Block Island 91, 129, 380 

Bolton, town of 14, 23, 78, 439 

Book debt, law repealed 171 

Boss, Benjamin, of Baltimore 415 

Bostwick, Isaac 216 

Bostwick, Reuben 460 

Boston 17—19, 21, 23, 38, 44, 45, 79, 

80, 84, 89, 205 
Bradford, John 598 

Bradley, Col. Anan 127 

Bradley, P. B. 102, 142, 207, 216, 234, 
423, 529 
Bradley, Abraham 460 

Branford, town of 14, 23, 218, 257,296, 
451, 498, 508, 563 
Bread stuffs 253 

Brewster, Zadock 358 

Bridge over Oiisatonic river 436, 442, 

527 
Bridgeport 116,315 

Rrigg.s, Capt. 130 

«rooklvn 283 



PagR. 
Broom, sloop 363, 365 

Broom, Samuel 356 

Brooks, Capt. 117, 295 

Brooks, captain of a privateer 84 

Brooks, John's letter 115 

Brooks, David 356, 375 

Brown, Gov. Montford 356, 358, 389 
Brown, Capt. Wheeler 
Brown, Maj. Thomas 



Brown, Capt. Hezekiah 
Brown, Nicholas 
Bryant, Samuel 
Bryant, Jehiel 
Buel, Maj. Nathaniel 
Buel, Solomon 
Buel, Eiias 
Buck, William 
Bull, Epaphras 
Bull, Thomas 
Bull, Jonathan 
Bull, William 
Bull, James 
Bull, Moses 
Bulkley, Peter 
Bulkley, Jane 
Bulkley, Abagail 
Bunker Hill 
Burnet, Maj 



121 
133, 256, 163, 

314, 398 
215 
462 
349 
317 
339 
304 
456 
153 
182, 192, 239, 274 

266, 315 
283 

479, 502 
479 
448 
471 
620 
622 
46, 79, 331 
114 



Burrall, Col. Charles 104, 159, 184,214, 

216,239,341, 343, 361, 389, 427, 

445, 495 

Burrall, Samuel 472 

Burr, Thaddeus 163, 170, 215, 228,240, 

256, 276, 346, 356; 411, 453, 460, 

471 

Burr, Eunice H^ 

Bush, Capt. 156 

Bushnell, David 343, 437, 482, 531, 585 

Bushnell's machine 343 

Butler, Col. John 148, 149, 153, 155 

Butler, Col. Zebulon 48, 147, 153, 155, 

184 
C 
Cabot, a brig 91 

Calder, John 508 

Camp, Abiatha 508, 574 

Campaign of 1776 '9 

Canaan 14, 216, 218, 336, 338, 341, 
429, 527 
Canada, (9 battalions) 340 

Canfield, Col. S. 163, 295, 462 

Canfield, John, Esq. 190, 191, 236,404, 

447 

Canterbury 14, 23. 277, 332, 420, 447, 
■^ 484 

Captains to give bonds 

Carlton, Gen. 

Carr, Capt. 

Cary, Richard 

Catherine, sloop 

Cavalry 

Census of Connecticut in 1774 



248 

87 

156 

49 

402, 486 

266 

8 



INDLX. 



631 



.-^ 



Page. 
Chamberlain, Capt. James 381 

Champion, Henry 169, 184, 199, 216, 

366, 398, 400, 446, 502, 506, 514, 

524, 525, 531, 533 

Champlain, lake 90, 103, 141 

Champlin, Lodowick 122, 125, 127— 

129,513 

Chandler, Col. John 142, 223, 422 

Chandler, C. C. 164 

Chaplain 199 

Chapman, Col. Samuel 184, 315, 428 

Chappell, Capt. Frederick 380 

Chatham 14, 23, 340, 382, 389. 414, 

464, 496 

Cheeny, Fenuel 335 

Cheeny, Timothy 267 

Chenevard, John 277, 385, 444 

-Chester, Col. John 46, 91, 166, 184, 

278, 295, 301, 524 

Chester, Capt. Jason _- 128 

' ester, Capt. J. 131, 223, 234, 249, 

273 

Chester, Jonathan 357, 369, 432, 482 
Chew, Capt. 134 

Chew, Joseph 470, 477 

Child, Elisha 228 

Church, James 277, 331, 387, 448, 473. 

477 
Church, Dr. (a tory) 351, 376 

Clarendon, ship 399 

Clark, Gershom 230 

Clark, Jabez 450 

Clark, Alexander 461 

Clay, Capt. 122 

Cleft, Maj. Waterman 364 

t^lergy of New England 44 

Cleveland, Moses 335 

Coe, Ebenezer 288 

Cockran, Capt. 467, 479, 505. 533 

Coit, Capt. 46, 88 

Coit, Capt. Oliver 406, 407 

Coit, Capt. William 371, 376. 377, 388. 

391, 394, 424, 433, 437, 447. 457. 
464, 492, 578, 579 
Coit, Col. 385, 387 
Colchester 14, 23, 78, 279, 304. 354, 
363. 386, 486 
Colebrook, town of 9, 340, 456 
Coleman, Noah 432 
Collins, John's deposition 610 
Colony of Conn., dismemberment of 17 
, her influence in 

1775, ire. 15 

Cotton, Capt. John 392, 414, 472. 479. 
514. 522 
Colt, Peter 515, 523, 524. 526 

Columbus, ship 512 

Commissary General in partnershi)) 

with the State 393 

Commissaries 169, 183, 212, 213. 241, 

245, 258, 294, 326. 329. 342, 397, 

400, 402. 449, 450 

Commissary of prisoners 239, 274, 302 



Pa^c. 

Committee to aid m rai.sing troops 256 
Committee to examine surgeons 239 
Committee on the sea coast 171 

Compo Hill 120, 133 

Comstock. Aaron 450 

Conant, S. 159 

Confederation of the States 97, 103, 
110, 310, 508 
Congress 83, 197, 200, 202, 210, 214. 
215, 23.3, -290 
Congress, delegates 349. 352, 371 

Conklin, Capt. 126, 128, 130, 131 

Connecticut Gazette 21 

Connecticut troops at Cambridge in 

1775 42, 47 

Connecticut 44, 50, 79, 80, 82, 89. 96, 
97, 111, 112, 141, 143, 146 
Continental army, quota for~^70, 273 
Convention at New Haven 300 

Conventions (note 55.) 97 

Cook, Lois 612 

Cook, Col. Thaddeus 111, 479, 528, 
529, 532 
.Cook, P. 427 

Cook, Col. M. 291, 344, 427 

Cooper. Thomas, commissary 412 

Cornwall, town of 14, 483 

Council of Safety of New York 80 

Counties in Connecticut in 1775 5 

Coventry, town of 14 23, 75, 78, 277, 

305, 317, 398, 405, 417. 439, 441, 
522 
Council of Safety 183, 187. 210. 276. 
277, 312, 326 
Council, pay of 274 

Counterfeiting 232 

Courts martial 181 

Courts 202 

Crane, Elihu 432 

Crane, Lydia 217 

Crane, galley 368, 369, 372, 399 

Crown Point 23 

Currency 260, 269, 469 

Curtis, Matthew 399 

Cyrus, ship 437, 604, 606 



D 



612 
469 
154 

46 



Daggett, Napthali 
Daggett, Henry 
Dana, Anderson, Esq. 
Dana, Capt. 
Danbury, 14,113,117, 118, 134, 135, 
261,278,281, 282, 285, 295, 317, 
410, 433, 438, 440, 459, 463, 524, 
587, 601. 602, 614, 6 1 5, 626, 627 
Danielson, William 223, 266 

Danielson, Col. 363, 428 

Darling, Thomas 159 

Darlington, William's deposition 135 
Da}', Isaac, surgeon's mate 457 

Day,Jame.s, 509, 514, .520 

Dayton, Nathan 305 

Davenport. James 145, 445, 498 

Davenport, John 240, 256, 428 



(332 



1^DEX. 



^— Page. 

Davonport, Abialiam Wi, 2 40, 241, 
276, 590 
Dean, Silaa, letter to Geii. Parsons 

537—5^9, 544, 545 

Dean, Silas 31, 141, 2«0, 339 

Dearinjr, Sylvester 447, 454 

Dearing-, Tliornas 4.56 

Deatli I'or tleslroyin<r stores, fcc. 290 

Declaration ol' Independence 95, 99, 

101,371,374 

Declaration of rights by Conn. 161 

Defence, ship !J4,'85, 90, 348, 349, 

354— 3j6. 362, 307, 375, 379, 381, 

382, 391, 398, 402, 405, 406, 409, 

423,431,437, 438, 466, 474, 488, 

500, 503, 506, 510, 521, 563, 576, 

581, 598, 601-606 

Delancy, Col. 503, 522 

Delaplace, Capt. William 188, 192,544 

Delaware, claim of 15 

Delegates to Congress 189, 197,215, 

290, 341 

Delegates to meet at Providence 21)0 

Deming, .lohn 466 

Denisc^p, Col. 147, 149, 153, 155, 184 

Denison, Natlian 600 

Deputy Governor 3l3 

Derby 14, 23, 126, 257, 307, 403 

Deserters from the ship Oliver 

Cromwell 588 

Deserters from the brig Defence 563 

Deserters 196, 211, 218,237, 240,251, 

267, 275, 284, 288, 315, 338, 489 

585 

Deshon, Daniel 477 

Deshon. John 17 I, 228, 249, 2G3, 328, 

330 f-!32, 337, 347, 357, 362, :i07, 

370, 373, 378, 383, 390, 395, 397, 

400, 401, 421, 4,^.2, 437, 442, 447, 

453, 456, 459, 466, 468 474. 486. 

499, 508, 510, 526 

Detachment of troops 270 

Devotion, Ebenezer 441 

Dewer, Col. 274 

Dewitt, Jacob 381,469,494,529 

Dickinson. Dr. John 197, 238 

Dimon, Maj. David 207, 356, 423 

Distillery 2a3, 269. 492, 496. 497, 508 

Dolphin, sloop 492, 495. 498, 502, 532. 

533 

Doolittle, Isaac 218, 350, 516 

Dorr, Maj. 335 

Dorrance, Col. George 

Douglass, Col. 91, 207, 223, 234, 364, 

416, 468, 489, 491. 492, 494, 495 

Douglass. Col. John 102. 110, 142, 146, 

184. 223, 234, 278, 340, 509, 511 

Drake, Col. Joseph 465 

Dove, sloop 461 

Dunn, Samuel 363 

Durham 14, 23, 280, 305. 315, 399. 

404, 407, 432, 442, 456, 530 

Durkee, Capt. Robert 150 



Page. 

Durkee, N. Jr. 431, 433 

Dyer, Eliphalet 111. 159, 183, 210, 233, 

260, 266, 27;!. 290, 342, 347, 349, 

351, 352, 357, 378, 522, 523, 544. 

545, 585 

Dyer, Dr. Benjamin 390 

Dyer, Col. Thomas 418 

E 

East Iladdam 14, 20 23, 78, 92, 129, 

267, 279, 283, 317, 339, 347, 354, 

361, 380, 384, 389, 396, 463, 514, 

526 

East Hartford 382, 472 

Ea.st Haven 608, 627 

East Windsor M, 23, 86, 396, 416, 

478, 514, 529 

Easton, Col. James 184 

Eells, Capt. 397 

Elderkin & Wales 500 

Elderkm, Jcdediah 159, 163, 183, 199, 

210, 211, 217, 326, 335, 337, 339, 

340, 343, 354, 356- 358, 373, 375, 

377, 382, 384. 389. 390, 395. 396, 

398, 430—432, 441, 443, 483, 543, 

553, 560, 572 

Elderkin, Joshua 258, 378, 3b0, 395, 

416, 431, 432 

RIection of State officers 159 

Elliot, .Samuel, Jr. 293, 436—438,445, 

446, 450, 459, 479, 488, 497, 517, 

521, 531, 605 

Elliot, surgeon 493 

Ellis, Nathaniel 208 

Ellis. Dr. Benjamin 406 

Ellison, Jemima 517 

Elizabeth & Hannah, schooner 385 

Elimore, M;ij. Samuel 167 

Ellsworth, Oliver 23, 170, 210. 256, 

290, .343, 344 

Ely, John 111, 132,133,144,260,261, 

276, 302, 304, 313, 347, 355, 361, 

3(i4, 368, 369, 381, 385, 419, 429, 

454, 466, 467, 470, 472, 474, 479. 

489, 493, 494, 499, 501, 513 

Ely, Jacob 267 

Ely, Capt. 345 

Embargo 163, 173, 189, 210, 221,233, 

245.. 248,262,404, 547, 574 

Endicolt, Dr. John 479 

Enemy supplied willi provisions, 

&,c., penalty for 195 

Enfield 14, 22, 78, 227, 499 

i Engrossers 210, 233, 244, 245, 249, 

I 252, 284, 287, 289, 396 

English, Abigail 612 

lEnos, Col. Roger 111. 132, 144, 276, 

291,302,304,313,314,455,457, 

! 459, 460, 464, 475, 476, 482, 529 

Escheats, 196 

Estates confiscated 282, 289 

! llxcellcncy, (title, when given) 145 

Exchange of prisoners 572 

Expense of the war paid by Conn. 487 



INDEX. 



633 



Pag^e. 

Express to Congress 274, 294 

Extortion 418, 419 

F 

^ Factorising writs 220 

Fairchild, Robert 171, 239 

Fairfield 14, 23, 91, 117, 122, 124, 128, 

164, 199, 259. 260, 275, 300, 304, 

336, 346, 347, 352, 356, 363, 365, 

378, 379. 403, 405, 407, 420, 421, 

428, 429, 489, 529, 556. 586, 608, 

609, 626, 627 

Fairfield coanty 18, 84, 126, 193, 198, 

199, 213, 278, 294, 313, 315, 316, 

329, 407, 410, 423, 429, 441, 475, 

478, 480, 505, 608, 609, 613, 615— 

618 

Fairfield Church Record 623 

Fairweather, Hanford 297 

Fanning, Roger 429 

Fanny, brig 274, 450 

~~A Farmington 14, 19, 62, 86, 215, 230, 

250, 257, 277—279, 301, 304, 312, 

338, 407, 427, 471, 475, 476, 500, 

518, 523 

Fasts 121, 159 

Fellows, Gen. 445 

Fire arms 239, 249, 250, 264, 27S, 277, 

287, 326, 345, 346, 351, 352, 381, 

388, 410—412, 423, 425, 430, 447, 

464, 472, 477, 491 

Fisk, John 378 

Fisher's Island, cattle, &c., remov. 

ed 366, 372, 418, 428. 456 

Fisher's Island 47, 48 

Fitch, Jonathan 170, 183, 198, 211, 

215, 222, 228, 237, 258, 312, 342, 

348, 350, 351, 355, 358, 362. 373, 

382, 385—387, 392, 411, 429, 431, 

443, 457, 463, 531 

Fitch, Thomas 216, 241, 278, 316 

Fitch, Hezekiah 265 

Fitch, John 447 

Fitch, Jabez 521 

Fitch, Samuel 530 

Flags of truce 264 

Flax 407, 414, 415, 420, 423, 425, 429. 

430, 433, 440, 448 

Fleet of the British 80 

Fleet on the lake 88 

Flint, Royal 292, 369, 444, 449, 463, 

485 
Flour for the army 327 

Foot, Edwin 29G 

Foquet, Mark 534 

Forbes, Samuel 192 

Forts 260, 344, 346, 348, 353, 359, 365, 
377, 381, 386, 400, 405, 421, 432, 
436, 437, 470, 474, 534 
Forts, ground for, at New London 

and Crolon 342, 344 

Fort at Groton 357, 365, 369, 441, 442, 

482, 526, 530 

Fort Trumbull 437, 442 

81 



Pa 



ge. 



Fortifications at New London 544, 551, 

552 
Foster, Dr. Isaac 302, 523 

Foundry at Salisbury 239, 264 

For, Elisha 481 

France 423 

Franklin, Gov. 85, 367, 373, 401, 440, 

486, 514, 565, 570 
Franklin, Capt. John 152 

Franklin, Benjamin 47, 86 

French, Maj. 192 

Fuller, Rev. John 340 

Furnace 445 

G 
Gage, Gen. 50, 543, 544 

Gale, Dr. Samuel 238 

Galleys 363, 368 

Gallup, Nathaniel 314, 421, 432 

Gardner's Island 47, 48, 133 i^ 

Garrif, Maj. 15:j 

Garth, Gen. 608 

Gaspeo, sloop 403 

Gates, Adj. Gen. 42, 237, 301, 438 
Gay, Col. Fisher 102, 163, 182, 192, 

193, 216, 223, 345 
Gay, Ebenezer 160, 237 

General Assembly, May, 1774, 159, 
170, 263 
German hussar 43 

Gorham, Timothy 127 

Gillet, Abraham 267 

Glasgow, ship 123 

Glastonbury, 14, 23, 68, 241, 399, 451, 
508, 509 
Glin, Mrs. 499 

Glover, Samuel 91 

Goddard, William 51 

Gold, Lieut. Col. 121 

Goodrich, Wait 277 

Goodrich, Capt. Elizur 392 

Goodrich, Peter 216 

Goods, how transported in Conn. 290 
Gordon, Gen. 88 

Gore, Capt. 152, 154 

Gore, ship 598 

Goshen, 14, 90, 257, 439, 559 

Goss, Capt. 156 

Gould 392, 440 

Gonid, E. T. 540 

Governor's Council in 1775 24 

Government of the colony 12 

Governor to appoint an agent, &.C.291 
Governor, Lieut. 46 

Governor of Connecticut 171, 173, 188, 
189, 192, 197, 198, 202, 208, 210— 
213, 221, 240, 242, 286 
Grand List of the colony in 1774, 14 
Grant, Roswell 510, 511 

Graves, Maj. Sylvanus 163, 350 

Gray, Simon 358, 433 

Gray, Dr. Thomas 340, 380, 413, 430. 
432, 443 
Gray, James 43] 



634 



INDEX. 



^ P:.ffo. 
Gray, Ebenczor 423 

Gray, Samuel 357, 410, 413, 432, 433, 
43d, 439 
Great Neck, New London 512 

Greenwich 14, 23, 215, 243, 249, 261, 

262, 265, 278, 297, 300, 333, 388, 
42], 439, 450, 460, 493, 498, 520, 
521, 523, 529, 512, 548, 613—615, 

626 
Green, Gen. 406, 409 

Greenwoods 9 

Greenleaf, William 437, 438, 598 

Greenough, William 392 

Grennel, Capt. 356, 421 

Green's Farms _ 609 

GrifSn, bamuel, Aid of Gen. Lee """^ir 
Griffin, captain of the sloop Polly 125 
Griffing, Peter 481 

Griffith 525 

Griswold, Matthew 159, 183, 210, 276, 
335, 571 
Griswold, John 409 

Griswold, William 363, 525 

Grog, ship 437, 5S1 

Grosvenor, Thomas 408 

Groton 14, 52, 198, 209, 228, 229. 200, 

263, 300, 312, 337, 339, 340, 342— 
349, 355, 357, 365, 366, 369, 382, 
384, 385, 402, 413, 420, 421, 431, 
432, 436, 437, 440, 445, 452, 465, 
467, 474, 477, 482, 484, 492, 498, 
499, 502, 510, 511, 520, 526, 530, 

532, 551, 552, 569, 626, 627 
Guards at powder mills 371 

Guards for new gate 372 

Guards for the furnace 438 

Guilford 14, 23, 114, 126, 127, 256, 
280, 305, 314, 315, 419, 439, 451. 
498, 532, 602, 626 
211 
84, 202 
273 
430 



Gun locks 
Gun powder 
Gun smiths 
Gun for Indians 



H 



Haddam 14, 23, 78, 356, 507 

Hall, James 518 

Hall, Eliakim 263 

Hall, Capt. Giles 198, 335 

Hall, Col. Street 185 

Hallam, Edward 466—468, 470, 483, 
494, 498, 501, 533 
Hale, Capt. Nathan 82—96 

Hale, Samuel 82 

Hale, Adino 422 

Halifax 89 

Halsey, Jeremiah 489 

Halsey, Capt. 294 

Halsted, Phebe 496 

Halsted, John 412 

Hamilton, Silas 138 

Hamlin, Jabez 159, 173, 183, 187, 188, 
197, 209, 229, 250, 294, 340, 496 
Hanchett, O. 90 



Page. 

Hancock, John 90, 133, 209, 3.36,404. 

416,463, 589 

Hannah & Elizabeth, schr. 390, 398 

Harding, Capt. Selh 84, 85, 90, 92, 

131, 339—341, 347, 354—366, 361, 
367, 371, 375, 378, 379, 391, 398, 
402, 409, 416, 423, 433, 478, 490, 

495, 500, 529, 581 
Harris, Maj. Joseph, Jr. 526 

Harris, Capt. John 129 

Hart, William 230 

Hart, Col. Selah 215, 216, 22.3, 277, 
522, 584, 587 
Hartford 14. 20, 31, 36, 41, 42, 45, 
48—51. 64, 83, 86, 88, 122, 126, 

132, 164, 192, 198, 215, 265, 278, 
327, 332, 336, 373, 374, 387, 461, 

462, 466, 472, 599 
Hartford, New London, and Wind- 

ham counties 76 

Hartford county inn holders 85 

Hartford county 374, 440, 449, 479 
Hartley, Col. 156 

Harwinton 14, 411 

Hawlcy, Ezra 267 i 

Hawley, Capt. David 83, 126, 199, 380, 

446 
Hawley, Aaron 315 

Hayden, Uriah 341, 348, 351, 353, 359, 
361, 362, 384, 391, 430 
Heath, Gen. 121, 409 

Heath, Ebenezer 448 

Hebron 14, 19, 23, 217, 297, 415 

Henshaw, Benjamin 265, 388, 436, 
438, 443, 527 
Herrick, Capt. 366 

Hewitt, Deacon 132 

Hewitt, Capt. D, 153, 154 

Higgins, Cornelius 317 

Hills, Medad 258 

Hill, Capt. D. r 214 

Hill, Joseph's letter 584 

Hillhouse, J. A. 159 

Hillhouse, Wm. 210, 230,276,300,361, 
384, 401, 471, 482, 486, 516, 584 
Hillyer, Capt. Andrew 627 

Hine, Benjamin 391, 491 

Hine, Abel 258, 295, 443, 462 

Hinman, Col. Bnnjamin 34, 41, 167, 

171, 188,207, 216, 326, 327, 331, 
393, 625 
Hinman, Capt. Elisha 91, 131, 339, 
344, 394, 405, 511 
Hinman, Ebenezer 216 

Hinman, Edward 243, 316 

Hinman, James 315 

Hinsdale, Daniel, Jr. 455, 463 

Herkimer, Gen. 147 

Hoar, John 542 

Hobby, Maj. Thomas 168, 522 

Holbrook, John 197 

Holdridge, Hezekiah 420 

Holmes, David 450 



INDEX. 



635 



Pajre. 
Honor, prizo brig 438, 478, 490, 588, 

590 

Hooker, Col. N. Ill, 25G, 258, 280, 

305, 314, 427, 529 

Hooker, Horace and James 523 

Hopkins, Elisha 404 

Hopkins, Commodore 355 — 357, 376, 

396, 424, 559, 565 

Hopkins, Joseph 192, 228, 229, 295 

Hopkins, Stephen 589, 590 

Horse Neck 132, 301 

Horse, regiment of 371, 439, 475 

Hosford, Gideon 514 

Hosford, O. 216 

Hosmer, Titus 159, 183, 187, 189, 

197, 198, 210, 260, 276, 290, 312, 

351, 361, 371, 373, 387, 391, 429, 

440, 468, 478, 496, 543 

Hospital stores 238, 240 

Hospitals 387, 388, 416 

Howe, Dr. 442 

Howe, Gen. 80, 87, 142, 274, 364, 374, 



456, 562 
415 
169 
399 
282 
403 
496 
388 



Howell, Ezekiel 
Howell, Thomas 
Howard, William 
Hoyt, Mary 
Hudson, B. 

Hubbard, Capt. William 

Hubbard, Noadiah 

Hubbard, Elijah 256. 292, 442, 443, 

449, 459, 463, 468, 485, 488, 492, 

497, 501, 505, 521, 531 

Hubbard, Nehemiah 376, 449 

Hubbard, Nathaniel 500 

Hull, Isaac, Jr. 295 

Humphrey, Col. J. 160, 180, 192, 427 

Huntington, Col. 89, 110, 123, 376, 

413, 438 

Huntington, Jedediah 102, 142, 186, 

Huntington, Jabez 111, 145, 159, 170, 

183, 210, 266, 277, 278, 295, 325, 

347, 349, 352, 363, 384, 390, 411— 

443, 430, 440, 441, 447, 457, 463, 

466, 474, 478, 486, 487, 491, 500, 

501 

Huntington, Samuel 183, 185, 189, 200, 

233, 291, 326, 327, 335, 468, 555, 

590 

Huntinffton, Benjamin 183, 210, 276, 

300, 325, 328, 330, 331, 335, 339, 

349, 356, 357, 384, 443. 447, 461, 

477, 486, 493, 495, 498, 533 

Huntington, Andrew 258, 373, 377, 

382, 389, 390, 403, 419, 421, 430, 

432, 440—443,450,456, 461, 465, 

468, 483, 486, 492, 503 

Huntington, Joshua 281, 314 

Huntington, Capt. 370 

Huntington, Roger 487 

Hurlbut, John 456 

Hurlbut, Joseph 437 



Page. 
Hyde, Maj. Elijah 146, 240, 387, S2T 

Imprisonment for debt 275 

Independence, declaration of 93 — 102, 

^ 231,371,374 

Independence by Connecticut 95, 99, 

^ 101, 111 

Indians 47, 48, 114, 147. 148, 151. 153, 

155, 156, 296, 327, 346, 422, 423, 
430, 546. 560, 561 
Ingersoll, Jared, stamp master 56, 57 
Inspectors of gun powder 232, 238, 534 
Inspectors of salt petro 233, 238 

Instructions to Delegates in Con- 

^''^^ 356 

Irvine ^^° 

Isaacs, Ralph 241, 297, 303, 399, 404. 

407, 451, 567, 570 

Isham, Capt. John 304 

Issuing Commissaries 258, 29J 

Ives, Aaron "^'-^ 

J 

Jamaica House of Assembly 3/ 



f 



Jamaica 

Jarvis, Stephen 

Jay, of New York 

Jenkins, Col. John 

Johnson, Col. 

Johnson, William S. 

Johnson, Maj. 

Johnson, Arlemas 

Johnson, Capt. Miles 

Johnson, Dr. 

Johnnot, Andrew 

John, ship 

Jones, Timothy, Jr. 

Jones, captain of a privateer 

Jones, Obadiah 



90 

138, 140 

375 

155, 157, 217 

42,207, 362^ 

159, 198* 

167 

218 

489 

535, 551 

303 

249, 398, 399 

516 

84 

456 



Jones, James, commissary 

Ju4ah, Michael 

Judd, Capt. William 

Judd, captain of the Antelope 

Judd, Timothy 

Judson, Daniel 

Judges of Courts in 1775, 

Judges commissions, form of 

Justices of Peace in 1775, 

K 
Keene, Capt, 
Keeney, Capt. John 
Kennedy, Capt. 
Kent, town of 
Keppel, ship 
Ketehum, Sarah 
Keyes, John 
Keyes, Amasa 
Kibbee, Noadiah 
Kilbourn, Benjamin 
Kilbourn, Jonathan 
Killingly 



444 

459 

184, 495 

295 

172 

171 

26 

209 

26-23 

409 
129 

396, 397 
14,216 

C04, 605 

470, 486 
46 

164, 169 
296 
199 
363 



14, 23, 277, 232, 298. 350, 
4.55, 463 

Killingworlh 14. 23. 125, 130. 280, 
304, 365, 449, 462, 498, 512 



636 



INDEX. 



^^ I'acrc. 
Kingsbury, Nathan 156 

Kingsbury, Capt. Sanford 429 

Kirtland, Samuel 422, 423, 4:i0 

Knight, Dr. Isaac 456, 514 

Knox, Gen. 418,436 

Knowlton, Capt. 46, 82, 84, 167, 211 

L 

Lacy, Capt. 283 

Lake Clianiplain 103 

Lamb, Col. 122, 127 

Langdon, Dr. 43 

Larrabe, T. pay master 373 

Latham, Capt. James 446 

Latham, Capt. William, Jr. 370, 526 

Lathrop, David 344 

Lathrop, Elisha 301, 484, 495 

Lathrop, Rufus 216, 415 

Lathrop, Capt. Andrew 387 

Lattimcr, Maj. Jonathan 186, 223,330, 

333f428, 433, 437, 481 

Law, Richard 57, 210, 220, 233, 260, 

360, 376, 378, 384, 554 

Law, James 217 

Lawrence, John 159, 171, 233, 254, 341, 

393, 463, 474, 494, 497, 515, 524 

Laurens, President, ofYorktown 524 

Lax, William 358, 372, 384, 507 

Lay, Lieut. 512 

Lee, Maj. Gen. Ciiarles 42, 80, 81, 91, 

255, 342, 344, 556, 584 

Lee, Col. Isaac, Jr. 163, 278, 511 

Lee, Solomon 404 

Lee, Dr. Samuel 390, 396, 531 

Lead 183, 192,215,228,229,262,264, 

274, 330, 333, 352, 356, 363, 401 

Lead mines 192. 264, 301, 313, 352, 

372,3^2,462,474,479 

Leather and shoes 262 

Leavenworth, Capt. 132,256 

Leavenworth, .lesse Sl6 

Leavenworth, Capt. Eli 511 

Lebanon 14, 22, 42, 69, 191, 217, 230, 

250, 267, 277, 279, 281, 297, 317, 

3:36, 340, 373, 394, 405, 414, 41 7, 

428, 440, 445, 450, 452, 454, 464, 

467, 470, 472, 475, 477, 478, 485, 

491, 506 

Ledyard, William 211,263,365, 379, 

412, 413, 446, 474, 494, 520, 526, 

529, 530, 532, 534 

Ledyard, Ebenezer 337, 347, 348, 357, 

382, 402, 437, 440, 465, 467, 468, 

492,499,521 

Leet, Solomon 114, 127, 305 

Leffingwell, Col. C. 123 

Leffingwell, Martin 386, 411 

Leffingwell, Capt. B. 414 

Lester, Eliphalet 466 

Lester, Capt. J. 338, 340, 341, 345, 349, 

354, 363 

Letter to'Great Britain 543 

Lewis, Ichabod 184, 212, 439 

Lexington depositions 540—542 



Page. 
Lexington alarm in 1775, troops 

from Connecticut 21,22,164,182 

Lexington troops, money paid to 22, 23 

Light horse 103, 107, 236, 238, 240, 

268, 270, 285—287, 293, 294, 296, 

313, 364, 365, 475, 500, 507, 529 

Litchfield 5, 6, 9, 14, 89, 199, 217, 257, 

303, 304, 377, 411, 440, 454, 470, 

489, 500 

Litchfield county 36, 198, 217, 293, 313, 

329, 338, 355, 480, 456, 505 

Little, William, Jr. 445 

Lively, sloop-of-war 43 

Livingston, (President) 331 

Livingston, Walter 187, 329 

Livingston, Col. 386, 887, 391, 411 

Livingston, Governor of N. Jersey 565 

Loan Office 233, 254, 256, 298, 414 

Lockwood, Capt. S. 90 

Lockwood, John 624 

Lockwood, Maj. James 489 

Long Island 81, 88—91, 106, 108, 111, 

• 121, 123, 124, 126, 127, 130, 132, 

133, 141, 277, 302, 308, 309, 318, 

337, 383, 384, 387, 389, 391, 395, 

398, 402, 412, 415, 419, 420, 429, 

430, 446, 451, 453, 455—457, 470, 

481,483,486, 510, 512, 525, 564, 

576, 586, 597, 598, 608 

Lord Howe, ship 598 

Lord, Lynd 170, 228, 256, 313, 373, 

399,447,486,514 

Lovat, D. Qr. Mas. Gen. 408 

Lovely Lass 513 

Lowry, David 447 

Luke's deposition 611 

Lydia, prize ship 438 

Lyon, &c. 392 

Lyon, Capt. 431 

Lyon, Capt. Samuel 465 

Lyme, 14,23. 53, 141, 191, 192, 258, 

25^^, 207, 333, 335, 337, 353, 385, 

386, 409, 454, 467, 479, 498, 502. 

. 504 

M 

Macaroni, ship 345, 556 

Mace, Joseph 2l7 

Main, Lieut. 84 

Major General's duty 269 

Manly, captain of the Hancock 295 

Manufactures and commerce 13 

Mansfield, Giles 415 

Mansfield, Capt. 124 

Mansfield 14, 23, 173, 277, 406, 411, 491 

Manual Exercise 1^6 

Marsh, Col. 383 

Marsh, Joseph 366 

Marvin, Ozias 112,2197 

Massachusetts 79, 164, 188, 332 

Mason, Jeremiah 266, 296 

Matthews, David, Mayor of New 

York 89, 377 

Matthewson, Thomas 172 



INDEX. 



637 



Paa:e. 

Mather, Capt. Samuel 366 

Mather, Elias ^ 432 

Mattocks, Samuel ' 504 

McCall, Capt. ' 379 

McCleave, Capt. 354, 361, 370, 392, 

393, 464 
McGce, Capt. 131 

McKall, Capt. 92 

McKec, John 267, 283 

McKarrikan, Capt. 152 

McLellan, Col. 93, 146, 266, 287, 303, 
314, 488, 490, 494, 495, 525 
Mead, Capt. Sylvanus 286, 304 

Mead, Col. John 184, 237, 314, 349, 

493, 529 
Mead, Amos 249, 263 

Medicine 261, 262 

Medway, hrig: 437 

Meigs, R. J. 90, 126, 132, 142, 166,230, 
407, 418, 447, 483, 489, 512 
Molally, Capt. M. 382, 422 

Merrell, Maj. Abel 160 

Middlesex 124 

Middletown 14, 23, 47, 48, 93, 121, 128, 
130, 183, 187, 201, 214, 217, 218, 

258, 264, 268, 278, 293, 304, 313, 
327, 346, 347, 352, 372, 373, 376, 
382, 384, 403, 414. 419, 443. 444. 

447, 472, 526, 556 
Mifflin, Thomas?Aid of Gen. Wash- 
ington 42, 49 
Mifflin, schooner 133. 444, 453 
Miles, Isaac & Co. 392, 428 
Milford, frigate 84 
Milford, 14, 89, 121, 130, 198, 258, 

259, 300, 317, 341, 381, 391, 410, 
411, 419, 449, 460. 49*,- 498, 517, 

520, ofr, 529, 608 
Militia of Connecticut, how organ- 
ized in 1775, 9, 10, 47, 80, 81 
Militia 21, 23, 79, 86, 88, 91, 98, 99, 
101, 103, 104, 106—111, 114,128, 
141, 146, 164, 172. 182, 184, 185, 
198, 200, 201, 204, £09, 213, 236, 
238, 240, 242, 250, 2">1, 260, 269, 
277, 284—286. 293, 295, 301, 302, 
310 
Militia, allowance 452 
Militia exercise 196 
Mills, Lieut. John 378, 420—422 
Minerva, brig 198, 216, 328, 333, 335, 
354, 359, 362, 399, 531 
Miner, Nathaniel 198, 347, 399 
Miner, Seth 502 
Minot, Timothv 540 
Mines, - 215, 217 
Minute men 193, 194, 204—206, 358 
Mitchell, S. Mix 256 
Moffatt, Dr. 454 
Moland, Joseph , 188 
Money advanced by Conn, in 1775, 34 
P/Ionopoly 146, 210, 233, 244, 245, 249, 
252, 269, 284, 289 



Page. 

Montgomery, Gen, 136 

Moore, Nathan 51 1 

Morehouse, Col. Andrew 422 

Morgan, William 385 

Morgan, D. 238 

Morrows, Col, 156 

Morris, William, Qr. Master 456 

Mosely, Ebenezer 406 

Mosely, Increase 159. 163, 244, 279, 

281, 293, 427, 430, 601 

Mott, Edward 183, 346, 349. 355, 364, 

369, 525, 530 

Mott, Col. Samuel 49, 101, 171, 183, 

263, 314, 339, 345, 347, 351, 364, 

366, 369, 373 

Moulton, Col. Stephen 279 

Mumford, Thomas 31, 159, 169, 280, 

295, 444, 497, 501 

Mumford, David 397, 402 

Munson, Dr. Eneas 279 

Murray, John, Jr. 430 

Muster masters 270 

Mygatt, Capt. 372 

Mygatt, Col. Eli 314 

Nancy, brig 229, 243, 280 

Naval officers 201, 339, 354, 382, 386, 

390 
Navy 197—199 

Navy of Conn., rules for 592—595 

Newbury, Roger 273, 523 

New Canaan ^^'- 

New England committee 260, 262, 265 
New Fairfield 14, 138, 139, 282 

Newfield 116, 267, 315, 483, 576 

Newgate 372 

New^Hampshire 171, 332, 469, 589 

New Hartford 14, 23, SO, 455 

New Haven 14, 18, 22, 37, 91,98, 122— 
1^4, 141, 164, 172, 184, 191, 192, 

197, 198, 201, 206, 207, 209, 228, 
o41_243, 257—259, 264, 278, 288, 
296, 300, 306, 312, 316, 317, 327, 
329, 331, 333—338, 343, 346, 349, 
350, 352, 353, 355, 362, 370, 378, 
382, 386, 388, 389, 431, 436, 441, 
446, 451, 453, 455, 460, 464, 498, 
508, 510, 512, 521, 528, 529, 532, 
550, 551, 556, 566, 588, 607—609, 

612, 613, 626, 627 

New Haven county 449, 479 

New Jersey 255, 367, 368, 428, 453, 456 

New London, 14, 23, 41—49, 51, 54, 84, 

88—92, 98, 99, 104, 121, 123—130, 

13.1, 141, 164, 170, 173, 191, 192, 

198, 201, 206—209, 211, 228, 249, 
258—260, 263, 287, 300, 312, 326, 
-328, 331-335, 337, 339, 340, 
342, 351-356, 366, 369, 372, 373, 
378, 382-384, 386, 397, 401, 402, 
405, 408, 413, 419, 420, 422, 428, 
431, 445, 452, 453, 456, 461, 466, 
—468, 474, 488, 492, 498, 499, 592, 






INDEX. 



^^ Pa.gf>. 
503, 509, 511, 520, 525, 526, 530, 
532, 533, 551, 626, 627 
New London sheriti"381, 382, 391, 398, 
407, 409, 413. 417, 478, 479, 484 
New London county 449, 505 

New London and Windham counties 73 
New Milfocd 14, 90, 125, 216, 257, 
303, 305, 402, 443, 462. 574 
Newport 81, 92 

New Providence 356, 564 

New Providence, sloop 378, 380 

Newspapers in Conn, in 1775 20, 21 
Newtown 14, 399, 570 

New York 38, 41, 79—81, (note 83) 
84—86, 88. 89, 101, 103, 105, 107, 
111, 375, 451, 456, 460, 463. 469. 
473, 589 
Nichols, Ann's deposition 622 

Nichols, William, pay master 576 

Niger, ship-of-war 122, 128 

Niles, Capt. Robert, of the Spv 84, 127, 
130, 229, 328, 330. 333, 337—339, 
356, 367—370, 372, 389, 407, 420, 
441, 442, 446, 453, 461, 492, 495, 
522, 525, 532, 533 
Nixon, Col. 301, 523 

Norfolk 22, 90, 218, 387, 498 

Norfolk militia exercise 196 

Northrop, Moises, Patience, Eunice 316 
Northam, Timothy, 304 

Norton, Lot 265 

Norton, Col. Ebenezer 160, 301 

Norton, Elias 340 

Norwich, 14, 23, 49, 125, 129, 173, 
229, 238, 243. 280, 281, 291, 327, 
328, 330, 332, 337, 351, 352, 354. 
361, 377, 381, 385, 386, 389, 395, 
397. 411. 413, 414, 417, 429, 441, 
—444,450. 455, 469, 504,526, 529 
Norwalk 14. 90, 91. 98, 112, 116, 121, 
124, 127, 142, 201, 243, 249, 265, 
267, 275, 294, 297, 300, 316, 337, 
401, 417, 445, 450, 459, 463, 464, 
471, 472, 477, 496, 498, 520, 565, 
574, 586, 597, 608, 609, 623—627 
O 
Oath of fidelity in 1777 590 

Oaths 197, 200, 231. 270. 308 

Oath of fidelity 231, 245, 2.S3. 268, 
287, 288 
Officers of Connecticut in 1775. 24— 
29, 164, 165 
Officers, pay of ]65, 184 

Officers, staff 236, 249 

Officers refused to obey orders 266 

Officers to account 269 

Officers and soldiers wounded 273 

Officers, prisoners at New York 275 
Officers, &c., families supported 285, 
291, 292, 301 
Officers for recruiting, &c. 293 

Offices of State, guarded 313 

Officers, naval, appointed 328, 333, 



Page. 

334, 382, 396, 402. 406, 409, 438, 

485, 503. 506, 514, 521, 605 

Officers ttiken at Quebec 554 

Officers of ships of war 371, 376, 377, 

381, 400, 402 

Officers of row galleys appl'd. 362, 363 

Officers appointed 165—168, 184, 185, 

191. 201, 207, 208, 216, 223—227, 

230, 234-236. 241, 246— 249, 251, 

256—259, 266, 276, 277,284,287, 

288, 314, 326, 344, 347, 348, 354, 

364, 3r35, 369, 370, 375, 376, 379, 

381, 386, 392, 396, 397, 399-401, 

405-416,418,419,421,422,427, . 

428, 430, 431, 433, 439, 441, 442, 

445—448, 450, 455, 461,469,474, 

476, 483, 489, 490, 492-494, 520, 

526, 532, 533, 595 

Ogden, Samuel 514 

Olcott, Jodediah 456 

Olcott, Dr. George 481 

Olive, schooner 124 

Oliver Cromwell, ship-of.war 129 — 131, 

386, 388, 390, 391, 394, 396, 400, 

401, 406, 412, 422, 430, 433, 436, 

437, 447, 457, 464, 478, 490, 495, 

500, 506, 509, 513, 514, 519, 578, 

581, 588, 604 

Olmsted, Capt, Gideon 504 

Osborn, David ^ 278 

Osborn, Farrington, &,c. 393 

Osborn, .Joseph 4O3 

Oswald, Col. 432 

Otis & Andrews 527 

Ousatonic bridge 442 

Oxen, when forfeited 314 

Palfrey, p»«j,iinasler gener.al 418 

Palmer, Ciipt. 123, 127, 128, 412, 4l3, 
427, 429, 442, 532 
Parker, Capt. T. of the O. Crom. 
well 506, 507, 583, 604, 605, 607, 
612 
Parker, John 49 

Parker, Col. 482 

Parmal}', Amos 217 

Parsons, S. Holden 31,41, 57, 110,121, 
J26, 131, 140, 141, 168, 170, 18J, 
188, 274, 278, 280, 304, 313, 325, 
326, 412, 413, 416, 418, 419, 423, 
474, 476, 481, 500, 507, 516, 547, 
583, 598, 608 
Parsons, Enoch 419 

Parsons, Marshfield 479, 499 

Pay master, northern department 439 
Pay masters 170 | 

Payne, Benjamin 159, 170, 173, 188. P^ - 
209, 229, 276, 346, 455, 480 U 
Pay table committee 137, 184, 211, V 

212, 228, 241, 277, 265 
Peck, Capt. James 410 

Peck, Ruth 587 

Pease, Maj. Abel 314 



INDEX. 



639 



Pag^e. 

Pcnfield, Moj. Joliu 184, 526, 528 

Perkins, Dr. Josepli 431 

Perkins, Jabez 383, 389, 397, 415, 430— 

432, 441, 443, 457, 461, 464—466, 

485, 496, 502, 506, 533 

Perkins, Dr. Elisha 340 

Permits gjranted 308, 516, 409, 412, 

414,415, 422, 429, 433, 451, 453, 

455—457, 461—466, 469, 473, 476, 

477, 481,482, 484,487,488, 490— 

492, 496, 500, 502—504, 507, 508, 

518, 519 

Perritt, Capt. 23, 326 

Pettibone, Col. Jonathan 49, 132, 160, 

233, 374, 377 

Pettibone, Stephen 156 

Pettibone, Abel 460 

Phelps, Noah 29, 207, 287, 488, 517 

Phelps, coiniuissary 330, 331 

Pliillips, Col. 400 

Plainfield 14, 23, 78, 277, 491, 502 

Plumb, Amariah 216 

Plumb Island 48 

Plummer, Ebenezer 295 

Pitkin, William 159, 170, 173, 188, 

199, 209, 229, 276, 343, 402, 411, 

457, 474 

Pitkin, Col. George 167, 199, 301, 374, 

387, 501 

\ Pitkin, John § 230 

* Polls taxed 190, 197 

• Pomfret 14, 23, 67, 277, 331, 487, 491 

Pomeroy, Charles 429 

Pomeroy, Ralph 410 

Poor, Gen. 445 

Pork and provisions 228, 238, 256, 263, 

330, 370, 499 

Porter, Col. Joshua 31, 159, 160, 214, 

215, 264, 277, 278, 281, 294, 304, 

349, 373, 377, 387, 388, 391, 392, 

403, 427, 437, 447, 506 

Post riders 163, 191,213,230,265,327, 

337. 369, 372, 409, 421, 440, 448, 

564, 473, 499, 518, 520 

Post offices 44, 47, 51, 89, 213, 215 

Potter, Capt. 327 

Powder 170, 183, 191, 194, 199, 202, 

204, 214, 232, 238, 248, 267, 277, 

325, 326, 333—335, 337, 339, 341, 

344—347, 356, 358, 263—365 

Powder mills 84, 216—218, 262, 266, 

277. 350, 366, 375, 387, 556 

Prentice 168 

Prescott, Gen. 127, 477 

Preston, Nathan 447 

Preston, town of 14, 23, 51, 154, 317, 

369, 383, 395, 405, 489, 502, 531, 

532, 534 

Prices regulated 244, 252, 253, 260, 

306, 307, 419 

Prior, Capt. Abner 479 

Prisoners of war 85, 86, 128, 130, 132, 

133, 139, 150, 192, 249, 250, 262, 



Pago. 

264, 265, 274, 277, 291, 295, 302, 

313, 332, 336, 338, 342, 355 — 357, 

373, 374, 376—378, 381, 382, 384, 

595, 397, 399. 400, 403, 404, 408. 

410, 424, 448, 459, 461, 463, 482, 

487. 490, 495—497, 499, 504, 513, 

571, 572 

Prisoners of war not to be enlisted 310 

Prisoners exchanged 504 

Prisoners taken at Danbury 587 

Prison ship 291, 531 

Proclamation to raise troops 434 

Putnam, Gen. 18, 34, 42, 43. 46, 50. 

113, 131, 141, 144, 146, 165, 167. 

170, 286, 292, 301, 302, 304, 325— 

327, 474, 493, 494, 501, 507, 523, 

530, 546 

Q t 

Quarter Master General 237, 397 

Qr. Master Gen. to furnish stores 237 

R 
Randolph, Edmund 49 

Ransom, John, of Kent 42 

Ransom, Capt. S. 150 

Rapalji, John 395 

Rapalji <fe Sherbrook 399 

Raymond, John 471 

Recruiting officers 284 

Recruits hired, <fcc. 309 

Redfield, William, commissary 454 
Redding 14, 114, 294, 304, 305, 316. 
406, 603 
Representatives to Gen. Assembly, 

in 1775 24, 25 

Resistance, brig 477, 478 

Revenge, ship 130, 513 

RhodeIsland91,92, 111, 127,128,131. 

146, 260, 261, 268, 332, 334, 339, 

344, 347, 348, 398, 400, 405-408. 

417—419, 421. 429, 469, 481, 489, 

492, 494, 500, 506, 517, 564, 573, 

589 

Rice, Capt. 126, 358, 362, 399, 402 

Rice, Robert 461 

Richards, Guy 57 

Richards, Amos 304 

Richmond, Col. 391 

Ridgefield 14, 117, 139, 28!, 451, 559. 

614, 626, 627 

Riots 200, 214 

Ripley, Maj.Tlohn 413, 422, 430, 441, 

489, 492, 526 

Ripley, Hezekiah 414 

Roberts, Capt. Eliphalet 377 

Roberson, Ruana 622 

Robinson, Experience 481 

Robinson, Moses, of Vermont 463 

Rocky HiU ' 198 

Rogers, Capt. 127, 129, 459 

Rome. John L. C. 417 

Rose, man-of-war 332, 334 

Root, Col. 494 



640 



INDEX. 



^^ PajTC. 

Root, J esse 31, 33, 173, 183, 188, 209, 

229, 233, 256—158, 281, 34-2, 374, 

379 

Row galleys 339, 340, 345, 352—356, 

358, 360, 361, 363, 372 

Rowland, Israel 304 

Rowland,' Andrew 460, 525 

Ruggies, Timothy 35 

Rules for the Conn, troops, 174 — 177 

Rum 453 

Russell, Capt. Samuel 264 

Russell, Dr. Thomas 380, 445 

Russell, Absalom 430 

Russell, Col. Giles 364 

S 
Sage, Michael 512 

Sag Harbor 141 

Sage, Col. Comfort 102, 184, 207, 223, 
427, 429 
Salary of officers in 1775 27 

Salisbury 14, 90, 184, 215, 216, 239, 
/242, 257, 264, 293, 302, 336, 339, 
340, 343, 346. 349, 354—356, 359, 
362, 374, 387—289, 392, 401, 403, 
411, 414, 415, 428, 436, 442, 445, 
447, 449, 451, 453, 454, 460, 464, 
480, 492r495, 498, 499, 506, 517, 
519, 520, 524, 527 
Sally, ship 396, 399, 402, 405, 477 
Saltonstall.l Dudley 522 

Saltonstall, Capt. N. 369, 413. 435, 468, 
470, 474, 498 
Saltonstall, Winthron 170 

Saltonstall, Col. G. 57, 108, 111, 164, 
171, 266,329, 332, 334, 337, 340, 
345, 347, 348, 353, oil, 385, 386 
Salt petre 84, 174, 194, 197, 202, 216, 
233, 277, 320, 354, 392 
Salt 204, 233, 245. 253, 273, 279, 294, 
387, 390, 393, 431, 432, 441, 443, 
448, 451, 523 
Sanford, Lemuel 279, 281 

Sendemanians in New Haven 591,592 
Savage, Mary 218 

Saybrook 14, 20, 23, 86, 88, 213, 216, 
258, 259, 300, 304, 317, 335, 340, 
342, 348, 353, 354, 359, 363, 3/9, 
386, 392, 415, 429, 430, 443, 446, 
454, 459, 460, 464, 467, 472, 479, 
481,-382, 493, 498, 512, 522, 528, 
•34, 560, 599 
Sayer, Rev. John 471 

Schuyler, Gen. 42, 49, 187, 210, 212, 
216, 330, 331, 333, 344, 365, 372, 
273, 375, 381, 404, 408. 412, 453, 
473, 545, S7Q 
Schuyler, sloop 133, 445, 453 

Scofield.jCapt. Reuben 459 

Scorpion, vessel 132 

Scranlon, Timothy 230 

Seabury, Rev. Samuel 548 — 551 

Sea coast 236, 240, 242, 259, 271, 300 
Sea port towns 253 



Pago. 

Sears, Capt. I. 197, 342, 357, 362, 519 

Sclden, Elisha 216, 230 

Selden, Col. Samuel 395, 414, 475, 570 

Seymour, William 445, 477 

Seymour, Capt. Moses 3Q3 

Seymour, Col. Thomas 23, 170, 173, 

188, 209, 229, 230, 233 

Seymour, Joseph, Jr. 282 

Shark, row galley 361, 363, 366, 367, 

375. 398, 429 

Sharon 14, 90, 160, 257, 281, 336, 392. 

479, 559 

Shapley, Adam 331, 501 

Sharp, Capt. Elijah 397 

Sharpers 289 

Sliaw, Nathaniel, Jr. ^T , 121, 2l5, 

333, 345, 348, 359, 370, 376—378, 

383, 391, 395, 398—400, 403, 406, 

409, 416, 425, 437, 442, 445, 447, 

452, 453, 463, 509, 518, 526, 564. 

598 

Shaw, Capt. 329. 337, 348 

Sheffield, Acors ^ 462. 532 

Sheldon, Elisha 159, 184, 238, 266, 590 

Sheldon, Maj. Epaphras 160, 250, 302, 

427 
Shelter Island 402 

SherilFs 501 

Sherman, Roger 159, 189, 211, 215, 




Sherman, Col. Isaac 420, 423 

Shcther, Samuel 351 

Shipinan, John, Jr. 430, 482, 493, 528 

Shipman, Capt. Edward 450 

fj'irly, Mr. 605, 606 

Ships 01 war, how commis'ed 211, 212 

Sick soldiers 212, 261, 370, 387 

Silliman, Gen. 91, 102, 110, 111, II4, 

116, 123, 184, 214, 223, 230, 266* 

275, 294, 346, 350, 421, 425, 428,' 

432, 433, 440, 441, 444, 453, 457 

459, 461, 464, 470, 474—477, 487, 

493, 494, 501, 524, 586 

bilhman, Samuel C. 626 

Simsbury, 14, 23, 283, 372, 387. 472 

Skeen, Gov. 30, 31, 45. 184, 180, 389, 

., 577 

olocum, J5Q 

Small pox 302, 312, 315, 317. 345, 368, 

372, 374, 407, 410, 416, 417, 423, 

426, 428, 430, 432, 485, 586, 606 

Smediey, Capt. Samuel 125, 352, 402, 

409, 437, 438, 436, 444, 459, 517, 

581, 582, 604, 607 

Smith, Col. 132, 184, 207, 347 

Smith, Lamberton 241 

Smith, Col. Scth 276,314 

Smith, widow of N. L. 334 

Smith, Col. Oliver 364, 3G6, 513 

Smith, Job, (pay raaslcr) 439 

Smith, Jabez 445 



INDEX. 



G41 



Page. 
Smitli, Zcbeiliali, of tlio Spy 496, 533 
Smith, Capt. Joliii 519 

Snow Swift, brig 437,581 

Soldiers' accounts 312 

Somers 14,23,296 

Soulhworth, C. 277 

Spade, Col. 132 

Spaulding, Gen. 151 

Spaulding, Capt. 155, 156 

Spencer, Gen. 46, 109, 111, 146, 159, 
165, 166, 171, 183, 312, 325, 327, 
396,406,417, 418, 421, 430, 453, 
493, 494, 500, 510, 546 
Spencer, Gen. superseded 546 

Spirit of 1774 and 1775, in Connec- 
ticut 17, 35 
Springfield 469, 472, 473, 488 
Spv, sch'r 127, 128, 133, 335, 337, 339, 
' 356, 367, 368, 370, 385, 389, 390, 
405, 420, 442, 461, 496, 532, 533 
Squire, Capt. Samuel 169, 211, 228, 
238, 265, 295, 342, 350, 373, 379, 
382, 383, 385^1^92, 411, 428, 443, 
477, 478, 483, 525, 532 
Stafford 14,23,217,260 
Stamford 14, 23, 90, 92, 125, 136, 141, 
192,248,258, 261, 266, 280, 300, 
316,326,389, 394, 417, 419, 420, 
428, 429,441,443, 445, 447, 450, 
460, 461, 482, 520 
Stanton, Theophilus 358, 361, 366, 367, 
375, 398 
427 
129 
439 
138, 159, 211, 230 
223 
400 
363, 377 
396 



Stanly, Maj. Gad 
Stark, Gen. 
Starr, William 
Starr, Daniel 
Starr, Josiah -— — 
Starr, Ezra 

Stedman, Capt. James 

Stedman, Nathan 

Steel manufactured 392 

Stewart, Col. 405, 429, 446 

Stewart, Duncan 451, 452, 454, 455 

Stiles, Benjamin 192 

StiUman, Capt. 125, 127, 466, 477,479, 

480, 508 

St. John, Maj. S. 184 

Stoddard, Luther, &c. 393 

Stonington 14,23. 51, 70. 124, 125, 127, 

153, 191, 192, 198. 207-209, 228, 

258—260, 300, 312, 330, 332, 333, 

337, 339, 343, 347, 352, 355, 358, 

366,367,370, 379, 399, 401, 413, 

415,427,429,442, 445, 446, 451, 

461, 462, 467, 491, 492, 502, 503, 

520, 526, 532, 568 

Stone, Joshua 316 

Storrs, Col. E. 163, 167, 216, 398 

Stratfield 585 

Stratford 14, 83. 115, 117, 130, 199,243, 

257, 258. 267, 288, 304, 315, 375, 

403, 406, 412, 429, 436, 454, 576, 

585, 586 

82 



Pn go . 
Strong, Adonijah 216, 341, 343 

Strong, Ephraim 197 

Strong, Daniel 189, 379, 436 

Strong, Jedcdiah 171, 211, 225 

Strong, Maj. Simeon 163 

Sturges, Jonathan 471, 513 

Suffield 14,22,227,316- 

Sullivan, Lawrence 218' 

Sullivan, Gen. 42, 152, 422 

Sulphur 174, 197, 214, 229, 242, 288, 
329, 366, 396, 401, 402, 431 
Surgeons 191 

Swan, a British ship 130 

Swift, Gen. Heman 101, 142, 223, 234 
Swift, Col. 373,419 

Swift, Isaac 447 

T 
Taber, P. T. 296 

Talcott, Col. Matthew 163, 182—184, 
187, 192, 212, 350, 351, 448 
Talcott, Samuel 273 

Taxation, Valuation, itc, of Con- 
necticut, in 1775 13, 22, 100 
Taxes 170, 173, 209,210, 229,266,271, 
287,293,306,309,349,510 
Tea 83 
Ten Eyke, Adjutant 431 
Terry, Thomas 150 

Tpr r^ Nath aniel 229, 278, 478 

Tlianksgivmg 504 

Theft and robbery by tories 275 

Thomas, John, of Roxbury 283 

Thompson, Col. Jabez 350 

Thompson, Col. of Pennsylvania 47 

Thompson, Capt. 131, 184, 207, 264, 

312, 316, 335, 338, 362, 381, 392, 

399, 523 

Thorp, Stephen 392, 484 

Throop, Dyer 216, 346, 413 

Throop, Col. 403 

Ticonderoga 15, 23, 29, 30, 49, 79, 141, 

182—184, 190, 280, 348, 377, 408, 

444,445, 453, 516 

TiUey, James 354,362,391 

Tiley, Edward 216 

Tiley, Capt. 411,460 

Tinker, Capt. 124, 129, 361-363, 369, 

370, 399 

Tisdale, Elkanah 388 

Todd, Dr. Jonathan 238 

Tolland 14, 19, 23, 78, 423, 439, 504 

Tories expelled from New Haven 588 

Tories 83, 84, 86, 88, 89, 91, 92, 121, 

124-126, 130, 137. 147. 151, 152, 

172, 192, 199, 220, 222, 230, 232, 

241, 264, 265, 267, 275, 278, 279, 

282, 288, 294—297,289,302—304, 

308, 315—317, 332, 336, 351, 367, 

372, 374, 377, 380, 394—396. 398— 

401, 403—407, 410, 411, 417, 420, 

427-429, 436. 447, 449, 450, 457. 

462, 500, 510, 547, 549, 570, 600 

Torpedo, (Bushnell's) 343,437 



-5- 



642 



INDEX. 



^» Page. 
^R, 257, 457 



Torriiigton 

Towns, nuiiibur of, ill 1774 

Towns Uiat opposed Conjrrcss, in 

.„ ^^^1 36 

I owns 160, 164, 170, 182, 187, 189, 195, 

197,208,209, 214, 2''0 '■>^>''> "^'S 

228, 232, 237, 245, 248' 261^ 262 

285, 291—293, 298, 299, 308, 309,' 

341, 386, 387, 409, 424—426, 428, 

434, 440, 455, 456, 485, 505, 508 

Tow cJotli 373^ 389 

Townsend, Sarah 610 

Tracy, Capt. 84 

Transporting property forbidden 314 
Travellers to have u permit 268, 308, 
rr, . 314,374 

Ireadwell, John 294 295 

Treason 200, 231, 268, 276, 284^ 316 
Treasurer to borrow £72,000 271 

Treasury exhausted 343 

Tripp, Esq. 15g 

Troops released from the ship Oliver 

Cromwell 403 

Troops refused to march 408 

Troops stationed 328 

Troops raised 19, 193, 205, 206, 208 
209, 221, 227, 228, 234, 236, 246' 
254,255,258,260—262 265 27l' 
285, 299, 300, 310, 313, 334', 335,' 
340, 345—347, 349, 350, 352, 353 
356,361,366,369, 375, 379-381 
383, 405, 406, 416, 418, 420—428 
431, 433, 435, 438, 446, 469, 482' 
488, 489, 491—494, 496, 509, 510, 
,p ,., 527,528,531, 545 

1 roops of horse 98, 200, 384—387 

Iroops, how furnished 165,185, 189, 
rp , 190 

iroops of Connecticut, in Massa- 
chusetts 326 
Troops marched 327, 364, 374, 378 
379, 384—386, 397, 398, 421,' 44o' 
454,456,459, 460, 475, 479, 489 

493,494,501,502,511,530 
1 roojjs enlisted 349 

Troops required 349, 351, 358, 364, 365, 

396, 407, 422, 423, 425, 433, 436, 

438, 441, 445, 446, 453, 468 47'* 

Tr„ I •, 473, 520, 521, 527, 563, 57"o 
1 rowbridge, Caleb 497 

Trumbull, Governor 18, 84—87 91 
il8, 126, 129, 140, 460, 464, *465.' 

Trnr^K U T , '^^''^ ' ^^^' ^55, 560 

IrumbuII, John, Esq. 49 

Trumbull, Joseph 164, 169, 500, 50.S 

T u n^?J' ^^4' ^^4, 555, 557, 558 

Irumbull, David 228,335,345 350 

377, 408, 412, 418, 430, 44l' 4'-,2' 

464, 470, 472. 470-478, 487-489' 

494, 495, 503, 505, 506, 508, 517 

Trumbu , ship 511, 521, 522, 526 

Irumbull, Jonathan, Jr. 355 

Trumbull, John, (printer) 500, 605 



Trumbull, Benjamin 528 

Trubee, Isabella Q21 

Tryou, Gen. 137, 139, 140, 142, 512, 

rr, ^ 609 

lurner. Dr. Philip 238,261,436 

Tullle, Elisha ~^ (312 

Two brothers, privateer 131 

Tyler, Gen. John 168, 278, 452, 492, 
502, 528, 530, 547 
Tyler, Daniel, Jr. 283, 326 

U 
Unicorn, man-of-war 124, 356 

Union, town of 23 356 

Usher, Dr. Robert 340' 371 

V 

Vandervort, Peter 446, 469 

Veils, Roger 283 

Ventris, Capt. 445, 464 

Veteran guards , 44^ 563 

Vessels 349, 352—359, 361, 362, 367, 

381, 384-380, 389, 396,-398, 401, 

402, 405, 409, 411, 415, 428, 432. 

fc 497, 525 

Vessels, for armed ships 328, 330, 339— 

341, 348, 509, 511 

Vessels to be detained 367 

Vessels to be buili. by the State 413, 

414, 446, 464, 479 

Vessels of war in Connecticut 607 

Voluntown ' 14, p3, 277, 469, 491 

Vose, Mary 486 

W 
Wadsworth, Capt. Sam'I 182, 192, 342 
Wadsvvorth, Theodore 442 

Wadsworth, Gen. James, 102, 109, 111, 
145, 159, 182, 192, 212, 215, 223, 
265—267, 276, 278, 294, 301, 340, 
427, 429, 441, 456, 474, 476, 525. 
532, 584 
Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 169, 211, 215, 
222, 228, 229, 258, 335, 346, 465, 
504, 523 
Wages of officers of row galleys 36 1 
Waldo, Nathaniel, Jr. 212 

Waldo, Dr, John 335 

Waldo, Dr. A. 400, 430 

Wales, Nathaniel, Jr. 59, 183, 193, 
199, 210, 215, 217, 260, 276, 294, 
326, 329, 333, 334, 354, 356, 357, 
384, 395, 396, 426, 443, 447, 500 
Walker, Charles 380 

Walhngford 14, 22, 89, 279, 282, 288, 
295, 368, 373, 408, 411. 451, 461, 
489, 508 
Ward, Gen. Andrew 42, 146, 163, 165, 
207, 234, 263, 265, 278, 285, 301. 
344, 351, 373 
Ward, Stephen 268 

Warner, Col. Seth 33 

Washburn, David 303 

Washington, Gen. 42, 49, 51, GO, 85, 
116, 121, 150, 273, 274, 326, 333, 
344, 580, 583 



INDEX. 



643 



Page. 
Waterbury, Gen. 41, 46, 49, 91, 100, 

136, 163, 168, 197, 207, 223. 265, 
326, 351, 385, 392, 406 
Waterbuiy, town of 14, 172, 303, 316, 
436, 547, 559 
Waters, (engineer) 351, 372, 430 

Waters, Josiah 347, 430 

Watson, John 218 

Wattles, Capt. 125 

Webb, C. 31, 102, 163, 185, 281, 420 
Webb, David 258, 419, 429 

Webb, Col. Sam'I. 46, 110, 133, 134, 
142,329,333,418,431,512 
Webb, Joseph 313, 372 

Webster, Pelatiah 487, 535, 536 

Weeks, Mr. 154 

Welch, Maj. D. 166 

Welles, Benjamin 447 

Welles, Maj. Levi 314, 399 

Welles, Jonathan 182, 192, 259, 266 
Wells, Solomon, 223 

Wells, Bayze 442 

Wells, John, Jr. 451 

Westbrook, 154 

West Haven 626 

Westmoreland, 5, 6, 16, 17, 29, 47, 146, 

151, 155, 172,217,313.335,369, 

448, 503, 536, 600 

West, Joshua 183, 326 

Westport 119, 120 

Wethersfield 14, 23, 63, 78, 133, 163, 

172 217, 218, 257, 303, 328, 333, 

338, 372, 373, 384, 392, 413, 449, 
466, 480, 489, 524 
Wetmore, Gurdon 303 

Wetmore, Prosper 357, 376 

Weymouth, packet 132, 490, 495 

Wheat, Samuel 367 

Whcatly, A. (quarter master,) 432 

Wheeler, Wm. (commissary) 393, 464 
Whelplev, James 431 

Whigs ■ 83 

White Plains 81. 91 

White, Timothy 444 

White, Ebenezer 182, 192 

Whiting, Samuel 111, 168, 623 

Whiting, William 265 

Whiting, row galley 354, 355, 358, 

361, 362, 370, 372, 392, 393, 399 
Whittlesey, Chauncey 258, 340, 373, 

378, 388, 393, 409, 419, 420, 443, 

450, 462, 501 

Whittlesey, Capt. Asaph 152, 274 

Williams, Ezekiel 23. 31, 170, 182, 192, 

209, 274, 281, 295, 333,343, 346, 

450, 463, 465, 469, 531, 538, 590 
Williams, Wm. 31, 183, 184, 189, 190, 



Page. 

193, 210, 220, 223, 276, 280, 326, 

327, 329, 333, 334, 349, 351, 352, 

371, 401, 412, 414, 524 

Williams, Elisha 170, 173, 229 

Wilhams, Benjamin 341, 391 

Wilhngton, town of 14, 22, 448, 449, 

462, 583 

Wilmot, Samuel 207 

Wilson, James 569 

Winchester, town of 6, 257 

Windham countv 18, 198, 354, 356, 

357, 449, 505 

Windham 14. 22, 59, 125, 133, 173, 

212, 277, 291, 332, 334, 376, 398, 

399, 406, 410, 413, 420, 424, 429, 

430, 443, 444, 487, 489, 500, 505, 

506, 531, 553 

Windsor 14, 23, 78, 496, 524 

Winslow 341 

Winslow, Job 368 

Winthrop, John 419, 428, 452, 553, 

461, 525 

Winthrop, Francis B. 452 

Witter, William 449 

Wolcott, Gen. Erastus 29, 104, 111, 

142, 182, 192, 249, 266, 267, 294, 

326, 383—385, 390, 400, 429, 457, 

469, 475, 493, 494, 496, 500, 509, 

514, 564, 573, 608 

Wolcott, Gen. Oliver 107, 111, 145, 

159, 160, 169, 184, 189, 200, 215, 

233, 266, 290, 296, 371, 379, 407, 

427, 453, 454, 475, 494, 501, 543, 

555, 558, 590 

Wolcott, Alexander 239 

Wolcott, Erastus, Jr. 416 

Wolcott, Christopher, (surgeon) 461 

Woodbridge, Col. Howell 249, 314 

Woodbury, town of 14, 89, 243, 296, 

302, 392—394, 403, 410, 447, 476 

Woodstock, town of 14, 22, 23, 65, 

164, 191,277, 303,332,450 

Wooster, Gen. 41, 48, 79, 111, 114, 

117, 130, 134, 139, 141, 145, 16o, 

183, 216, 236, 240, 241, 243, 261, 

265, 266, 278, 326, 327, 440, 546 

Worthington, William 163, 223, 480, 

482, 531 

Wyllys, George 159, 170, 173,209,229 

Wyllys, Samuel 31. 142, 166, 280, 281, 

410,417,427 

Wyoming, (see Westmoreland) 

Yaie College 37, 83, 131, 251 

Yankee Hero 84 

Young, Samuel's deposition 134 



ERKATA. 

Page 85, lines 12lh and I7th (in note) from the top, for Mayor, read " Major.'' 

Page 147, line 19th from the top, for Harkenrer''s, read " Herkimer's." 

Page 149, (note) line 9th from the bottom, erase the period after the word fled, 

and insert it after the word asleep. 
Page 228, line 20th from the top, for lories, read " forces." 
Page 319, line 9th from the top, for clergyman, read " farmer." 
Page 320, erase in the 2d line from the bottom, the words within the parenthesis. 
Page 320, in the 16th line from the bottom for " 1770," read "1769, during 
which year Gov. Pitkin died, and J. Trumbull, Esq., was appointed 
Governor by the General Assembly, May session, 1770." 
Page 320, in the 2d line from tlic bottom, for they, read " the General Assem- 
bly" — same page, 5th line from the bottom, for electors, read " Legis- 
lature." 
Page 394, line 7th from tlie top, (in note) for John, read " Thomas." 
Page 609, in the I7th line from the bottom, for Stating, read " stabbing." 



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